We find ourselves in the Military District, a sprawling complex network of buildings, parade grounds, and warehouses where the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers are trained, and housed. As the picture paints itself, we hear a rhythmic tapping of wood on stone. We are looking over the shoulder of a soldier standing at attention in front of a plain wooden desk, in a sparse, organized office where a man is sitting leaned back in a chair with his back to the soldiers as he taps his vine cane to the rhythm of a song in his head only he can hear. As we pan forward, we see the man in the chair is wearing a bright red cape, the black of his pteruges lay on his shoulders fringed with red and white tassels, and the contoured leather chest piece is comfortable yet ready for battle. His skirt is plated, and colored similarly to his pteruges. His face is worn, and a scar runs across his throat. He has tanned skin stretched over his fairly muscled frame, salt and pepper hair and a crooked nose. Centurion Hampus is overlooking the parade ground and seems to be humming something to himself. He stands slowly, favoring his right leg, turns to look at the soldiers waiting for him.
We pan around and see the soldier standing at attention; he is sweating from the heat and humidity in the air. The heat and humidity is almost overwhelming due to the snow like ash that is falling from the sky into the parade ground beyond. He is standing at attention and attempting unsuccessfully to move slightly to guide the sweat from his eyes. This Mage is jumpy, fidgety, has a slight tremble, expecting at any moment to be killed and the full realization that he has made some very powerful enemies dawned on him a while ago. This keeps him up at night, and as a result he is very haggard and worn, his eyes are red, and there are dark circles around them.
Hampus begins slowly circling the Mage, and says hoarsely, “So… Senior Centurion Horn ordered you back to report on the demise of these… criminals…”
He attempts to respond, but it begins with a stutter, and trails off before taking a deep breath and continuing again. “They were overwhelming us for a long time until Centurion Horn, he really had a way with us men, he pulled us together at the last moment and we were able to slaughter them. Obviously it took it’s toll on us, and it is difficult to speak on this.”
The sound of his walk can be heard receding from the door, and stepping out. There is silence as the Mage looks around behind him and Hampus can be heard “I did not say at ease”, and he turns back staring out onto the Parade ground. A sudden slapping sound as if a fresh carcass striking the ground sounds from the parade ground and the mage flinches slightly but returns to attention. It seems like an eternity before the sound of boots on stone can be heard returning. And as the Centurion enters the room, he raps his cane and snaps his fingers to which you hear booted feet dragging something away from the Parade Ground.
“Let’s go through this again” The severe looking Arch Rune-priest said as he admonished the lone survivor of Horn’s Quad. His robes pressed so well they appeared like sheets of stone over his tall frame, crowned by bald pate, his face carries wise wrinkles of the pinnacles of the church. He stands in front of the soldier and stares intently into his eyes as he waits for the real story. He begins casting a spell to get the truth of the matter, to which the soldier tells the whole tale of how the Quad entered the room and engaged the Balrog with those fighting it. He re-tells how a large swirling maelstrom of magic, what he believes to be the bleak, had somehow been wielded by a certain Elf, an Elf that had half his face seared and part of his hair burned off.
“My Son, the Imperium appreciates you coming around to the honesty. Unfortunately, you broke orders, and that cannot go unpunished.” He clicks his tongue and offers “You will be re-conditioned and determined if you are still fit to serve.” As he waves his hand his body and the soldier’s body takes on a rictor, holding him in place. He then feels rough hands pick him up as he is carried from the room. Before passing through the door, he sees a man clad in black armor. He emanates hate, and the Mage almost twitches in fear as the dark figure stares down on him as he leaves the room. Malus then speaks to Hampus and the Arch Rune-Priest “What was the description of the Elf?”

And it is Vitus. Vitus, is speaking to Ural, with Rianton and Valandor. They have been speaking for some time, and mostly hushed tones there have been rising intonations and rebukes spoken only to be calmed by someone else. You are peering through a portal or opening on the upper level of the Tree of Demeter, and it looks as though snow is beginning to fall outside. The chamber you are in seems as though fresh paint has been applied, the beautiful colors of nature are on the wooden walls around you, and there is a sweet smell of flowers coupled with mint.
“So, you think Oak and Rowen are going to be OK?” asked E’mryk. Enoch responds “Well, they have a better chance here than anywhere else.” Enoch appraises his friends before continuing “One thing I do want to make sure of is that we are all on the same side with this. We choose our own destiny…” He drags the last sentence out as the importance of the words sink in. “We may be helping the Elves out, but I do not want to take orders like some sort of soldier of 1,000 Leaves. So let them present options, but not tell us what to do.” E’mryk is eyeing Enoch and responds “What if we don’t agree with the options?” Enoch says “Then we will choose our own destiny” E’mryk says “I think that as long as our roads coincide we can help them. But once the light takes us in a different direction” Enoch says “Then we go that way, yeah, I agree.” E’mryk looks at Zay who has been considerably quiet through the exchange “What do you think Zay?” She looks up as if lost in her own thoughts and gives a quiet “Uh huh” of agreement. E’mryk says “I appreciate them looking after Quinn.” And they all consider that statement as they consider their fallen companion. Enoch then continues with “I think we will end up doing what they like, but I think we should keep our options open. I mean, we do not work for them.”

At this point their conversation is interrupted as there is a rising swell between the four Elven leaders, and each of them in turn seems to be yelling at one another throwing out guttural Elven words those of you who speak Elven have never heard. E’mryk who has never heard Rianton raise his voice in anger, hears the rabble broken by a loud booming voice as Rianton shouts “ENOUGH!!” and as the words echo off the tree, it almost seemed as though the foundation of the tree shook down to the roots. “We are all Brothers, and this petty squabbling is going to rip us apart in the very moment we must be as one. Athtar’s health is unknown, and as you bicker, our people teeter on the brink of prosperity or decimation, but yet you fight with each other as if it will provide a solution. Put your petty grievances aside until we have dealt with this threat, let us put our kingdom back together. Or are your Egos worth more than the heart of 1000 Leaves?” Silence reigns as they all look to one another and back to Rianton and the weight of the words sink in. “Four brave souls, who are now three, risked their own lives to rescue the Telellas (Elven heirs to the throne) when they could have easily run and hid. These worthy individuals, these Companions of Irin’ d’orin. The Taur’Amandil (Elven Druids) are tending to the Telellas and report they are resting, but it is fitful and violent at times. They are not themselves, and they are not fit to lead.” Rianton is looking at his hands as he wrings them, and seems to be examining the wrinkles. Then he continues “Gentlemen, and Lady, we are under poldor faernaa (Elven Forced Leadership: Emergency Leadership) and we must act accordingly. This begins with the decision if we will be led by Mallen (Elven circle or council) or Nikym (Elven single leader appointed under emergency circumstances).” Rianton looks at everyone, but then back to the three Companions. “Conversations past have shown your support for 1000 Leaves, and while you have already given so much, I am hesitant to ask for more. But will you continue to help us?” As the three consider the question Enoch answers “So long as what you choose is what we believe to be right.” And E’mryk and Zay nod to Enoch.
Rianton says “Come, let us sit. For we have decisions to make and we will decide our course of action.” As they are being seated, one of the Druids comes in and privately confers with the four Elves then leaves. Rianton “We must determine who must lead” and Enoch says “Might I add something to this proceeding?”. Rianton responds with “Please.” Enoch states “If the past half hour has proven anything, it has proven that a council is probably not the best course. By selecting one it will be decisive and immediate. As time is of the essence I suggest you do not spend time over who’s ego gets to call the shots.” Rianton and the other Elves agree that a Nikym would be selected. Based on their backgrounds and animosities, Valandor, the leader of the Forest Wardens was selected to lead 1,000 Leaves until further notice. As discussed, Hallowhall is quite likely the location they are holding Athtar, but without knowing the number of forces holding it. Several things need to be considered:
- Loy Valley is back under Soan Path control with the assistance of the Dwarves
- 250 capable Forest Wardens
- The Dwarves have forces in Northport and are posturing for war
- Tryse will be under attack at any point now, they were warned but did not believe the messenger
- 1,000 Leaves need allies with the Dwarves
- Inevitable the Dwarves will most likely attack and overtake Myclai
- Star Valley outside of Hallowhall is a concentration campActions needing to be taken:
- A unit of Forest Wardens will be sent to offer assistance to the Dwarves and support the assault on Myclai, this should buy goodwill and possible alliance
- Scouts will be sent to get an estimate on how many are holding Hallowhall
- Rianton would like E’mryk to help him examine a gateway that once worked in the Tree of Pallas (the statesman’s tree) to see if the portal could be opened to reach allies

Between the Hammer and the Anvil

Everyone froze. Nobody made a sound. Before them was a thriving swarm of the damned. Countless Chain-Devils, Bearded-Devils, Imps, Hell Hounds and Erinyes had conglomerated into the hallway directly ahead of them. Chattering and gargling, pushing one another about, the devils had yet to notice the party as it ascended onto the third floor of the Forge.
As if this mob of madness was not enough, a squadron of armed Imperials came towards the party from the side. The party froze debating which course of action would most likely allow them to survive. Should they descend the stairs and rejoin the band of ragged prisoners who hid one flight below? Should they fire-bomb the Imperials and attempt to run past them. Should they charge forward and jump into a maelstrom of carnage awaiting ahead? The decision was an important one and the party’s hesitation led to the most surprising of events. About ten feet away, the Imperials froze and their commanding officer stepped forwards. “Which one of you is the Quad Leader?”
Enoch stepped in front of his friends and said in a slightly shaky voice, “I am.”
The squadron leader Janis, who had enjoyed the party’s conversation at breakfast, smiled and continued, “Zofo, sir, you are the highest ranking officer. What are your orders?”
Understanding crossed Enoch’s face and he started in at once. “The blasted Devils have gone insane. They’re slaughtering everyone on the lower floors, both the prisoners and our men are falling beneath their onslaught. Right now I need your men to make a shield wall and block off this hall. Don’t let a single bastard by!” Then seeing that the squad had two Rune Priests and two Ice Mages the order to use their powers to assault the devils was given. The plan was to wait until the party flanked the devils and then attack them from this side while advancing the shield wall.
Janis gave the party a map of the third floor, knowing them to be but recent visitors to the Forge. The party finished making their impromptu plans and Enoch taking a breather leaned against the wall. All of a sudden an oddness descended over his countenance and he seemed to sway uneasily. Quinn quickly helped braced him and Enoch spoke in Dwarven as if to the very walls of the Forge, “What do you want? What is your message?” A moment passed an Enoch’s weird spell seemed to fade away almost as quickly as it had come on him. Having no time to clarify the party left the Imperials behind and approached the devils through a side passage.
Battie, who had followed the party was dispatched to report to the Warden about the devils mutiny. She quickly left the party as the party prepared for their greatest battle yet, a battle which might be their last. One moment of silence was all they allowed them themselves before the opened the door in front of them and dove head first into bloodshed and gore.
The battle that ensued was one that would test the party’s very limits. E’myrk launched a barrage of spells against the infernal. Zay stealthily approached the devils, disemboweled them and slinked back into her shadows. Quinn fought with his bear, bow and blade, and took two poisoned arrows to his chest that almost killed him. Enoch, who was enlarged at one point by E’mryk, attempted to run through their numbers like a human armored tank. Vida, meanwhile launched his own spells, devastating the infernal horde before him.
The battle was further heightened by the fact that the devils were joined by an Erinyes Centurion named Frida. She used a blasphemous form of infernal magic and conjured a beast from the bowels of Hell. At that moment the odds of the party’s victory began to slip like sand through their fingers. However, the Divines were looking down upon the battle and they must have blessed the party for a very unexpected thing suddenly materialized. E’myks sorcery is one of chaos and sometimes unexpected results occur, and this time after a series of spells were loosened, chance brought forth a helper for the party in the form of a beautiful unicorn. The unicorn immediate ran forwards and plunged its horn directly into the newly materialized beast that had been drawn forth and banished it back before it had a chance to do any damage.
Quinn and Enoch, being battered to a hairs width from death were sent through a portal created by Vida. The portal led to behind the Imperial shield wall as well as to the Rune Priest that could heal them and stop the poison that continued to spread through Quinn’s body. Quinn and Enoch seeing that the battle was one of desperation called the prisoners forth from the third floor where they had remained hiding. A temporary truce between the Imperials and the prisoners was established and the prisoners were sent around to attack the devils from behind. Once they were in place the shield wall was moved forwards and the remaining devils on their side were pushed down the elevator shaft hole that had been in the center of the room that they had unwisely assembled in. The prisoners too mobbed forwards and push their fair share of devils down the hole; losing only one man in the process. The three remaining Erinyes seeing their inevitable demise, sprouted wings and descended with the evil brethren. Despite all odds the party was victorious.

After climbing the elevator chain to the 4th floor of the Forge, the companions of Irin’d’orin slogged through a dingy, shallow moat to reach a landing. Fearing the worst, but in a rush for time, they crossed the water quickly and sighed in relief when all had made it across.
Ahead the sound of fighting could be heard so, naturally, the friends rushed toward it in an effort to save as many of the prisoners’ lives as possible,
They came upon a scene of prisoners attacking their jailers. Devils, imps and hell hounds circling and stabbing and biting and burning the prisoners who were only armed with short swords from some nearby armory in the complex. The devils seemed to enjoy sating their hellish desire for inflicting pain on a large scale and so they grinned and laughed as they fought the escaped prisoners.
Irin’d’orin came into the room swinging, shooting and blasting the devils, also enjoying the destruction of the creatures capable of such unspeakable tortures and torments.
When the fighting in the immediate area had all but completely finished up, there was a moment of pause on the part of the escaped prisoners. This group of stalwart individuals had turned the tide of battle and undoubtedly saved their lives, but why would they? The team wore the livery of the Empire. Why had these then come to the aid of common prisoners against their own?
After a brief explanation, they hurried off down several corridors looking for two things: 1. more prisoners and 2. more devils.
It felt good to exact at least some measure of vengeance upon their devilish foes. A retribution of sorts for the pain and suffering they inflicted upon the incarcerated. It was one thing to be punished for a crime, it was something entirely different to slowly and willfully destroy a person, good or bad, turning them into something hideous and sentencing them to damnation.
After several small skirmishes and 27 prisoners later, the team quickly made their way up a corridor when in an intersection to their left came the sound of booted, marching feet of imperial soldiers, while ahead came into the same hallway a nice large collection of devils, imps and hell hounds. And as if that weren’t bad enough, two pair of high caliber devils…erinyes.

In Zay’s Perspective
“Aaahhh. Good Morning.” Zay said quietly as she woke up. Zay pushed the sheets back and hopped out of bed. she dressed herself and quickly did her daily routine, which was slash her daggers about and balance them. Then punch and kick in case she is unarmed. When she was finished, she went out and could not believe her eyes. She saw a bearded dwarf with a huge cup of ale and singing to herself. Zay had not seen many dwarves, maybe 8 at most? The dwarf had a light brown beard and brown braided hair. When the dwarf took an enormous gulp of ale, it ran down the dwarfs face and chest and then Zay realized it was female. “Oh! nice to know.” The rest of the group came out of their rooms, and the dwarf introduced herself as Battie. The rest of the group introduced themselves. “How about we eat breakfast before we start your tour?” Battie asked. The group agreed and headed to the soldiers quarters. When the group got breakfast, Enoch and Quinn headed to
a near by table by some drowsy soldiers. " Did you just get off duty?" asked Enoch. The soldiers agreed and “the leader” piped up with a swollen lip. " Wheres your little guy?" the guy asked. Zay recognized the guard, but continued to get her food. The low ranked soldier walked over to E’mryk and offered a drink to him and poured it on the gnomes head. E’mryk, enraged, threw his hands up and started to transfer green flames to each hand. The soldier drew a sword and shield and the fight began. The soldier’s friends suddenly were not tired anymore and formed a circle around the fight. But it did not last long. E’mryk pointed his finger at the guy. and the soldier suddenly transformed into a sloth. The friends went from excitement to crapping their loin cloths. :) E’mryk picked up the sloth and dropped him in a garbage can. The gnome cleaned off his hands and replied, “Next?” E’mryk and Zay then went to join Enoch and Quinn. A few of the friends found us “cool” and wanted to join our table. We then finished breakfast and then started our tour.
“Would it be alright if we started with the 5th floor since you obviously are not interested in that one?” Enoch asked. Battie reluctantly agreed and the group headed to the elevator. The group was obviously interested in the elevator. “Oh my gosh! She said it was an elevator and explained what it does! Stop asking the same question!” thought Zay. When the group arrived at the 5th floor, a chain and a bearded devil greeted them. The group toured the 5th floor to only see a bunch of people and torturing devices. Zay could not help but feel sorry for the poor souls. The group finished up and headed toward the elevator. The elevator suddenly screeched to a stop when the top was pulled apart by a chain devil. Quinn had the quickest reaction and shoot 4 arrows, but only 2 hit. Enoch Jumped and climbed up to meet the devil, but was greeted by hellhounds. Enoch still took off towards the chain devil. Zay then preformed a flip and grabbed the edge of the top, and she pulled herself up. Zay then slashed at the hellhounds. The rest of the group fought, and then Vidus finished up the mess. “What the hellhound just happened?” asked Zay.“Did they find out about us or did the devil go rogue?”

After the party returned to their rooms Enoch saw Zay sneak out to follow the Warden and see what was happening. Knowing that he would only hinder her he shut the door to his room and bolted it from the inside. His mood was dark and the thought of hopelessness hung over him like a rain cloud. The more he thought about their current endeavor the less he liked it. His mind swam with the chimerical thoughts of their ultimate defeat and inevitable torture at the hands of devils from the lowest pits of damnation.
A quiet rap at the door drew Enoch back from his discouraging thoughts. He unbolted the door and peeked out to see a rather attractive half orc standing there with a bowed head. The events of the evening had caused him to completely forget that he had arranged a meeting with her. Without a word he opened the door and she entered under his arm. He bolted the door and turned around in time to see her undressing.
“No. Please don’t do that.” He said confused and embarrassed.
“But I thought…” she muttered.
“No. I only want to talk with you. How long have you been enslaved here?”
“Two and a half years.”
“What is your name?” Enoch inquired.
“Draven Lighten, Sir”
“Well Draven, I’m going to go out on a limb and trust you with a secret” Enoch said smiling through his beard. “My party and I are not what we seem. We’re not part of the Empire. In fact, we’re here to rescue some friends and anyone else we can.”
Fearing that it might be a trap Draven said nothing.
“I understand that you have no reason to trust me but I assure you that I speak only the truth. I also ask only one thing from you, that being that you spread the word among the slaves that a jail break attempt is coming. When we make our moves we will require all the help we can get. If you desire your freedom this very well might be the only chance you’ll ever get.”
Enoch sat back and stared at the half-orc who clearly was debating what to say. After a few minutes she said “I don’t know why but I believe you. I will spread the message as you request.”
Enoch than thanked her and tried to direct her to the door, but she stopped him. “If I leave now I will be whipped because they will think that I disappointed you, please may I stay the night?” Draven pleaded.
“I see no problem with that. You can sleep on the bed and I’ll take the floor.”
A smile crossed Draven’s face and in a small voice she said “I think it’s better if we both share the bed tonight do you?”
“Indeed.” Is all he said and began removing his armor.

The attempted ambush on the other side of the river was a fierce and deadly battle. We’d had two members of Irin’d’orin taken captive earlier and now we’d lost another to a brutal enemy. Was the light beginning to dim a little? The team had quickly bandaged and searched the carnage for any immediate valuables before loading up and moving away from the scene of the slaughter. The enemy would come searching for their soldiers and we meant to be long gone before then.
Rut’s passing was difficult and none wanted his body in the hands of the enemy. We committed his body to the river and made our way toward where the the mountains we suspected harbored the mysterious “Forge.”
As we trotted our horses past a jutting of trees off the edge of the forest, a light could be seen shining warmly toward us. Soaked by the rain and leaning wearily in the saddle, we decided a short break to discover the source of the light would be a good thing.
Within the grove a trees knelt a beautiful and tall woman. Calling us by name as we watched her, she bade us enter out of the rain and take our rest. The ring of trees closed behind us blocking the light’s escape.
We discovered that her name was Wylde, but she was often referred to as the Matron or Mother. She had been here waiting for us that she might meet us in person, her curiosity peaked by the recent lights in the Deadwood.
“The world has been so dark these past centuries that I admit to having lost hope and, you might say, that I faded somewhat from existence. Then an unexpected light appeared in the forest and I was surprised. Then a second came to life and I was curious. Then a third was lit and I was renewed with hope. The darkness had receded and I felt a kindling of something I hadn’t felt in many, many years.”
We asked her many questions and she freely answered what she could. The napkins and the goblets were explained as relics from the All Father, Allyxann, the giver of life as well as its taker. She spoke longingly of this deity and when asked informed us that she was his consort and that together they had created the pantheon.
Although we had many more questions, exhaustion overtook the team and we slept a much needed rest. We arose to a beautiful morning. Although our new found friend was no where to be seen, we were rested and healed of our wounds. We loaded up the remaining foods and departed for the Forge.
She had thanked us for renewing her hope and had wished us well in our journey to restore the light and to drive back the darkness.

What would you pay for a little information...

As we entered the Castra at Myclai, the wooden palisade that we had erroneously thought was a small fishing village, I had two thoughts that dominated my thinking. The first was that the Garrison held a lot more soldiers than the five us could handle. We were either going to talk our way through this or we would certainly be swaying from the gallows by morning. The second thought I had regarded E’mryk and the stunt he pulled on the docks. If only we could force him to keep his trap shut. Ever since he received that scar upon his face he seemed moody, irritable and withdrawn. He’s a tough little bugger and I doubt vanity alone was responsible for his foul mood.

We followed the officer and his six very green trainees through the fort. I could barely keep from giggling as I watch them marching slightly off beat, clearly chafing under their armor. As for the officer, he went by the name of Optio Servius Tullius Augustus of Brand. Being the fact that I am rusty regarding my knowledge of the Imperial ranking system I overestimated the importance of his position. Rut could have corrected me but he was being especially stand-offish. The others seemed lost in their own thoughts as we weaved through the market section of the fort, where civilians squirreled back and forth hocking their wares. We also passed the blood stained gallows and executioner block, if only to remind us what was at stake.

After what seemed like hours but in fact was mere minutes we arrived at a little used officer barracks. Optio Servius entered and waved us in while he told his soldiers to post–up outside within ear shot. While we waited in the main room the officer entered a side room and closed the door. From the outside came a gnarled old man who entered silently and placed napkins and wooden wine glasses for us on the table. E’mryk attempted to communicate to the servant but the old man simply showed us the stump where his tongue use to be, and bowed out. After changing into a less dignified outfit the Optio waved us to seats where he offered us wine. Pretending to avoid it due to duty but really to avoid the potentiality of poison, we sat and began conversing with the officer.

Due to the fact that we were improvising and nervous most of our conversation is a blur to me now. What I do remember was that the priggish Optio had two weaknesses that we wasted no time in exploiting. His first weakness was his over-inflated sense of self-worth. He felt himself far too great for his lowly position here in this backwards garrison off the banks of the Sea of Cerish. The second weakness we espied was his addiction to information. He correctly ascertained that information is power. He incorrectly ascertained that the information that we were in effect peddling was information of that sort. In short, we gave him information that he would in time inevitably receive. For example that the Imperial outpost at Vannte had fallen and its resident giant was slain. The second category of information that we provided was pure cow dung; that is it was rubbish that we made up on the spot.

After about an hour of discussion we had inflated his head by blowing enough hot air up his ass that he felt dizzy with his own sense of importance. We had also convinced him that it would be in his best interest to provide us with horses and safe passage out of the garrison to the north. I was delighted the whole time that E’myrk kept his cool and that Quinn’s unwise dropping of Malus’ name was overlooked. Nevertheless, we were on our way after the hour. We immediately received our horses from the quartermaster and attempted to leave the fort before our play-acting fell apart. Unfortunately E’myrk started another quarrel with the guard at the gate. Luckily we had him on his way before our position could become dire.

For around a mile we rode north towards a ferry that the Optio had directed us to. Upon reaching it we paid a couple of simpletons to take us across and we boarded a fairly large barge that could likely accommodate ten men and their horses. As soon as we boarded we noticed a squad of soldiers were approaching from the direction of the garrison and we knew that our cover was blown. We encouraged the simpleton ferrymen to hurry and when they seemed incapable to reach the speed we desired E’mryk enlarged Rut with one of his spells and Rut sped our passage by quite a bit. Once we were only the other shore the ferrymen started their return and we discussed what we should do. The general consensus was that we should wait in hiding and ambush those that pursued us. I personally found this to be a very bad idea but I went along with the general opinion of the party. Quinn hid the horses in a gully and we crept behind bushes and other foliage.

While waiting I lent the spyglass to E’myrk, he being the only one of us that can see in the dark. He spied on the party that was waiting for the ferry’s return. He estimated their party to consist of ten men or so. Their leader seemed to be a Tiefling with a broken horn. He returned and informed us what he saw when we all heard a noise. Apparently we were the ones that were going to be ambushed, for a moment later we were assaulted by a horde of monstrous beings. There were two giant cyclops creatures, two trolls and six black goblins. The fight opened with one of the cyclops launching some-sort-of ice spell that sent everyone in our party to their knees in pain.

I often find that when I’m in the middle of a battle my mind becomes clear, all inner dialog silences and there is only the fight. For this reason I always have a hard time retelling a tale about a battle. Images flutter through my mind but they seem unconnected. I remember Quinn getting the stuffing knocked out of him when a majority of the enemies descended upon him at the same time. I remember Zay rolling about and slashing wildly with her cruel blades. I remember mowing down a goblin or two only to find the cyclops and troll that attacked me to be more than I can handle. Apparently, we were losing the battle, Quinn fell, followed by Zay and myself. Rut was toppled next and E’mryk stood alone launching magic missiles into their midst. After being revived with a potion from the Gnome I flew into a rage and attacked the last remaining cyclops, who rather than return my onslaught killed Rut viciously by driving his crude pike into his skull as he lay unconscious.

I had only known Rut for a few days but I couldn’t help but pity the poor bastard. I also wondered if he had a wife and/or child somewhere that would be waiting forever for his return. E’myrk and I finished the cyclops off and cut the line to the ferry so that the other pursuing party could not reach us and finish us off. E’myrk revived the remaining members of our party and we limped towards our horses knowing that time was of the essence if we wanted to survive.

and in trouble... as always

With the foes slain and the loot divided, the adventurers needed to deal with the problem of Rut Rutter, formerly known as Todd. The man was once Quinn’s best friend and he was torn between past and present loyalties. Todd had freed Quinn and through that act had most likely saved the lives of the entire party, but he had also promptly turned and knocked E’mryk out. After a small amount of deliberation, Rut was given two options: be released into the world with no armor or weapons, or to join the companions in their quest against the Empire. After assurances of goodwill, Rut agreed to join the party. He then warned them that Malus would be sending a clean up Quad to the area and it would be best that the party left with all due haste. They set the Ruined Fortress ablaze and set out into the cold gray rain. After a few hours of travelling, Quinn found a shelter that overlooked a large portion of the land. The adventurers set up camp and established watch. Quinn took the first, uneventful watch in which the only entertainment was strange noises in the woods and a very, very distant giant patrolling Northport. When the time came he awoke Enoch, who experienced the same uneventful watch. After Enoch came Zay, and lastly E’mryk. Throughout the entire night, the only interesting occurrence was the rapid departure of the giant from Northport.

The next day, the adventurers left in search of Eastport. After deliberating about the best course of action, they decided to avoid the city if possible, and instead to search along the shore for a vessel to take them to the other side of the Sea. Upon arrival at the shore, the adventurers successfully flagged down and old fisherman and requested a ride to another, larger vessel. After a good deal of convincing, mostly with the glint of gold, the man agreed to row them to the ship. As they neared the ship, Quinn and Enoch hailed the captain. As the adventurers bartered for their passage, the old man from the fishing boat realized that he recognized one of the members of the group. “I do believe that you have a quite familiar face sir” He said to Quinn. “What do you mean” the ranger responded. “Why, you’re Quinn…” the old man was cut off by the cold blade pressed against his back. Enoch slipped him some more gold as he warned him to stay quiet.

After the adventurers boarded the ship and a price and destination were agreed upon, several of the party decided to rest on the journey. As they slept , the crew rowed them towards their destination: a fishing village called <insert name="true">. One of the crew noticed that the sleeping Ranger’s cloak had slipped, and that the armor of an Imperial soldier was visible. When Quinn woke up, he realized his error, and decided to solve the problem. He walked to the boy and slipped him a handful of gold, warning him to be quiet. Upon arrival at the Imperial port, the adventurers immediately assumed their pre-decided false identities. Zay was posing as a private contractor used to infiltrate unfriendly cities while the rest were posing as the now destroyed 6th Quad. They stepped onto the dock and were immediately assailed by a worker demanding their papers. E’mryk, pretending (or was he) to be a belligerent officer refused this, while the rest did as they were asked. After a brief standoff, E’mryk consented to have his papers examined, and the party pressed forward. Rut subtly guided them toward the Dockmaster’s booth, at which they were again demanded to show papers, and also questioned. The group all responded with the appropriate lies, and claimed their work to be highly confidential. During this conversation, Quinn noticed that guards were starting to line the balconies up ahead, and he warned his friends, telling them to undo their peace bonded weapons. The Dockmaster dismissed the group by informing them that the Commanding Officer wanted to speak with them. As they moved in to the courtyard, the aforementioned officer met them. “It has been a long time since we had the pleasure of entertaining a Quad! Please, come join me in the command tent!” he said as he reached for the hands of the group. As he shook Quinn’s hand, he scanned his face, a glimmer of recognition visible to the Ranger. He then turned and led the way into the main garrison. As they entered, The entire party simultaneously noticed a large, publicly displayed wanted poster with a caricature of a frighteningly familiar Ranger. Quinn felt his blood turn to ice as he realized his days, and crimes committed, as a highwayman were coming back to haunt him.

Valas Argith the Drow Rogue
+1 Shortsword
+1 Dagger
+2 Studded Leather
Equipment: Hand Crossbow, quiver 20 bolts, dungeoneer’s pack, thieves’ tools, disguise kit, poisoner’s kit, signet ring of minor drow nobleHelm of Telepathy: Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement) While wearing this helm, you can use an action to cast the detect thoughts spell save DC 13) from it. As long as you maintain concentration on the spell, you can use bonus action to send a telepathic message to a creature you are focused on. It can reply—using a bonus action to do so—while your focus on it continues. While focusing on a creature with detect thoughts, you can use an action to cast the suggestion spell (save DC 13) from the helm on that creature. Once used, the suggestion property can’t be used again until the next dawn.

Dredging up the painful past...

E’mryk sat staring into the fire. His hands sat in his lap and the silence was deafening. Normally he would attempt to engage in conversation or discuss something he’d read recently, but tonight was different. For some reason the last few days had deeply disturbed him, jarring loose memories of his childhood he’d thought lost to time. Yet here they were. Coming back into focus with a clarity that both stunned and overwhelmed. Perhaps the Bleakstorm had more of an effect than he’d realized.
His mother’s face haunted him.
Everyone seemed more subdued, lost in thoughts. Each appeared to be on the verge of speaking…

Clockwork Revalations

After resting the night, the elves and the gnome, standing amidst the statues of divinity, both crumbled and whole, began deciphering The Wisdom of Al’yxonn mounted to the wall of the temple. When they had completed the words, the floor opened beneath the party and plunged them into a sub-basement chamber leaving them battered and bruised.
After passing through several rooms with clockwork apparatuses, the team came upon a hallway that looked strangely translucent. Quinn shot an arrow the length of the 90’ hall and it stopped in mid-air, hanging above the floor where it halted its flight. Then it began moving toward them at a slow, but steady pace. The team rained arrows and a fireball at the moving goo and eventually the thing collapsed before reaching the interlopers.
Beyond the blob a portcullis with a dozen locks on its face blocked their path. Zay studied them and realized one of them looked somewhat familiar in design. She managed to pick the lock and the bars slid into the ceiling.
The next room had a clockwork mechanism in the floor and levers protruded from various points in the round room. A plaque hung from one wall with an inscription in an old dialect of high elven.
Levers were moved according to the mysterious riddle-like inscription and a hidden set of double doors opened in a wall beside them.
A hallway continued away and ended in double doors opening onto another round room at the end. Skeletons in armor moved into a protective positioning within and prevented the team’s advance. A battle ensued and the bony defenders were defeated, but not after causing more damage to the group.
Enoch decided he liked the shields and took one as his own as they moved back to the main round room. More levers were moved and other doors opened. Down into the basement of the basement the team went. A ghostly vision of an elf in deep thought hovered above the floor at the bottom of the spiral staircase. Conversing with the friendly apparition revealed that Mallus and the elven king’s bodyguard were brothers and grandsons of the spectral elf. Two toys were given into the care of Irin d’ orin to give to the grandsons.

It appears that Lucan left a writing on the wall, a long write-up in ancient high Elven: The world has fallen, it has fallen into chaos. Once beautiful, it is now consumed with darkness. Mankind fought, and fought, then they turned to their deities when they could not come to an accord. The Convocation tried, we tried to bring peace, we tried to unite the kingdoms. The generals gather their armies, and the final battle has been fought on the Loyal fields. There was no place for court intrigue and backstabbing, those acts of the play had already been offered. Now, only bodies of fire and ash are left. Death and destruction is what mankind wanted, and the god have given it to them. Fate has chosen for us, for the deities in their divine wisdom played their hands much like mortal wisdom. The fates have taken us in their hands, and like ashes have flung our futures to the wind. The armies have been disemboweled and torn asunder, Earwa and Aynemere alike have been brought to their knees and beyond. Our gods have departed, hope for mankind has fled, insanity reigns… Maybe the fate has decreed that mankind must burn in the fires of the abyss and feel the loss of their deities to understand what they once had. One day, one day, a light in darkness will call to good folk to usher forth a beacon in the darkness, a light so powerful even darkness cannot extinguish it. Allyxann have mercy on us, for we are lost….Irin’ d’orin a’ halen a’ mor’alhnel…

Layout of the TombsHere are the names on them:
Once Prime Chaplain Mythicar Ilthayne and founding member of the Synod
Once Justicar Warden Asmundr Kasrin and founding member of the Synod
Once Prime Envoy Arondel Dawnbringer and founding member of the Synod
Once Commandant and Prime Envoy Aidia Talonlaw
Once Commandant, Prime Chaplain, Justicar Keld Verglas
Once Prime Envoy and Justicar Alexandros Korviniat
Once Justicar and Prime Warden Matthias Darkmire
First Master Articifer Karn Mildon and founding member of the Synod
First Prime Steward Torlin Alfheim and founding member of the Synod

The team rigged some ropes to pulley themselves back up and out of the basement of the temple planning to return with the news. As E’mryk was reaching the top, he reached up to make purchase at the lip and a black gauntleted hand reach down grabbing it.

Connecting with the past

Zay laid within the crate, as motionless as possible, steadying her breathing in the cramped space. She felt it rock from side to side as it was carried forward, she felt it being set down. It was almost time! It was then a flash of light so bright accompanied by a crack of electricity was heard right outside of the crate, and she could only imagine the pain involved. The lightning arced from the walls and you could almost hear mad Dwarven laughter as the dwarves lit up the ogres and barbarians in the courtyard.

Storn Backbreaker’s back arced and his bodied convulsed violently and a second wave of lighting was launched into them. His gaze lockedl on E’mryk as he stalked toward the source of his pain, both fire and lightning, climbing over the buildings to reach him, but E’mryk had other plans. Storn climbed the building, E’mryk took the opportunity splatter the giant with thick green-tinged webbing and spider-climbed down the side wall, landing on the ancient cobbles and slinked around the building while the legendary hill giant thought he fled. Oak and Rowen took the signal to also slip away, making their way to the temple as the Dwarves’ shouted “Get to the temple, we got this!”

Enoch and Quinn broke through the wall. They heard the Dwarves shouting down to them to circle around and make their way to the temple, guiding their spectral mounts out and around to make their way to the front of the temple.

Zay slowly lifted the lid of the crate and peered out to take in the scene. She realized she was not in the temple, but rather in the courtyard out front. In the dusk light she began making her way up the wide stairs leading up into the temple. Hearing voices, she cut to the left and began moving from crate to crate. Within she spotted two barbarians of the Cloven Hoof tribe who sorted barrels and crates. Creeping up and around, she jumped out and took the opportunity to unleash an assault on a lone barbarian as the other had moved around behind the crates.

Showing up is half the battle

The companions of Irin d’ orin departed early the following morning on the summoned steeds gifted them by the elves. Capable of greater speeds and possessing endurance beyond that of normal mounts, the six made good time toward the Loy Valley. They skirted the northern edge of the farming communities to avoid detection by the Legions who now occupied the territory. Unfortunately, this also meant they were also introduced to the maelstroms of the Bleakstorms, known for its chaotic and unpredictable magical storms.
Just as the six made their way around the northernmost tip of the Sea of Cerish, an unusual popping and cracking could be heard in the distance. Not having been here before, no one had any idea what they would soon face. The noises grew rapidly closer and the wind began to stir. Before anyone could react the maelstrom was upon them. Illusory rocks whirled past them. Most just passed through without physically harming the team, but others were solid and pelted with unexpected force. The wind became increasingly fierce and ghostly faces began to appear in the midst of the churning mess. Several of the companions were upended landing under their mounts. Unable to see each other within the chaos, E’mryk yelled as loud as his little lungs would allow, “ride as fast as you can. Get out of the storm!”
Emerging at different points, but luckily all on the eastern side of the storm, five of the six made it free. Oak hadn’t come out. Fearing the worst, Rowan kicked his mount forcing the magical beast against its instincts to re-enter the magical moshpit while the remaining four began yelling. The elven twins followed the sounds of the others’ voices to defeat the disorienting effects of the maelstrom and soon rode out, battered and somewhat slumped in their saddles, to rejoin the other four.
A breathless moment passed with a collective sigh of relief and the six rode off, putting some distance between themselves and the storm.
Deciding that the mountains would provide better cover, the team dismissed the magical horses and walked into the foothills for both cover and a better vantage to watch and plan.
While the six exchanged the spyglass and whispered tactics, a unusual sound came from behind. The noise started low and quickly rose in pitch before fading. These preceded a gruff voice that said, “What’s this? What’re ye about?”
The team turned and beheld a gnarled dwarf with goggles on his head, a long metal rod on his back and a long scar that ran over his right eye. His white beard had metal braided into it that bounced and jiggled as he twitched standing there confidently awaiting an answer.
“We six are here to sack the fort down below.” Enoch stated without missing a beat.
A line of dwarves in leather armor stepped from the rocks to stand beside their leader. Each carried a crossbow-like device with a metal tube mounted where the bolt would have been.
Mirth shook the crazy looking dwarf for a second before he questioned them about the logic of the six of them taking on a barbarian war party, an octet of ogres and a giant of some renown. When the team answered in the affirmative, he replied that the team would need help to pull off such a crazy idea.
Somewhere in the midst of the brief conversation, the companions had mentioned elves returning to the Deadwood. This raised the dwarf’s bushy eyebrows and he stopped the conversation in mid-sentence.
“Now I know ye’re mad. There ain’t been elves in the Deadwood for centuries. I was a’mind to throw in with ye before I thought ye were out o’ yer mind.”
The team could see that he wanted to help them, but he wouldn’t risk his troops without knowing the sanity of the odd collection of people before him..
Enoch continued, “The elves have returned. King Tordynnar has asked us to stop the supplies that fuel the empirical armies rampaging through the region. We intend to make it so.”
About to leave, the crestfallen old dwarf offered one last option, “If ye can show me proof them elves have returned we’ll throw our lot in with yers and goose ol’ Storn Backbreaker like he ain’t never had a’fore.”
Oak lowered his hood, his elven heritage plain in his sharp features, “I am ”/characters/oak-and-rowen-tordynnar" class=“wiki-content-link”>Oak Tordynnar, son of King Athtar Nindrol Tordynnar, King of the Thousand Leaves. He speaks truth."
The shocked dwarf simply said, “So, let’s kill us some giant, eh?” His fellow dwarves grinned in anticipation.

The sun was setting as each group of the strike team moved into place, the Dwarven Rangers moved up to the North and South walls while Zay deftly crept into place and opened the crate to climb in and hide, Quinn and Enoch made their way quietly into position to fire upon the Barbarians and Ogres, finally E’mryk and the two Elves silently (and slowly) moved their way and climbed onto the rooftops in the southern part of the Vannte. They waited, and then realized ‘how in the world am I ever supposed to know when to start…’

That is when the arrow flew, Quinn firing upon the Barbarians and Ogres relaxing around a fire in front of the Temple, quickly followed by Enoch. Then the battle ensued, as E’mryk heard the sound of a Hill Giant turning at the noise. Storn Backbreaker had been relieving himself on the Eastern wall when the ruckus started. Turning, he began making his way to the center of the fortress. Enoch and Quinn were able to get a second volley off before the Barbarians and Ogres were upon them, as a spectral figure of a bear manifested in their midst. Enoch and Quinn took the brunt of several attacks, as the bear materialized, they quickly called their mounts and jumped on riding quickly away as the horde laid into the spectral bear. Upon Storn reaching his largest group of forces, the sounds of Thunder-tubes could be heard powering up before unleashing six lightning blasts onto the group. The searing light and raw electricity was truly awe-inspiring as it reached its targets and proceeded to chain through all the different targets as a bright light flashed in the center of the fortress. This was quickly followed by the blinding light of a green fireball as it exploded on the back of Storn Backbreaker. As Storn shook his head, and gathered his wits, he realized exactly where the fireball originated. He turned, locking eyes with E’mryk and began to climb the buildings stalking toward the diminutive little Gnome.
That is where we stopped for the night…

Irin D'iorn

Scene 1
• The smell of smoke permeates the air, smoke with hints of sweet apple woven in. Have you ever smelled burned apples? Burned apple pie?
• Fresh bodies litter the street, in different states of composure and decomposition.
• You can hear the howling of the wind as it rises and falls.
1st Scene Description: Rent is beheading and removing the weapons from the barbarians, then throwing them in a pile. Dain has provided enough ease to the injured as he can, but the people need rest, good food, and care in order to recover. Jed tears up in seeing the returning heroes, and at the loss of the town folk and others. Refugees from Venton Rock, a town NE at the base of the mountain was known for its coffee and Tin, and Jorg, a town SE at the river Tywanrae known for its freshwater fish (mostly Salmon). Spending the night and starting out first light is the best option, and after getting the fires put out, and bodies gathered up it is almost 11PM. The adventurers have to make a choice to move the refugees to the Tree of Demeter.

Scene 2 – The Tree of Demeter
Scene Description: Before entering the deadwood, they see another light in the NE of the Deadwood light up as another tower (Tree of Aphrodite) is overtaken. The color seems to be returning to the woods as the group slowly, cautiously makes their way into the Deadwood. Along the way, you notice Valandor grab Rianton, and the Elves take a break and step to a big dugout on the side of the road. Looking on, you notice the reverence the Elves are taking and some sort of prayerful motions. Before taking note, they move on and if asked do not wish to speak on it. Moving closer to the tree, you notice a perimeter of heads on pikes (if they inspect them they will see that in this light they look very much like the Goblins, Trolls, and Cyclops heads, but they are man-made).
Scene 2
• As you make your way through the Deadwood, you can actually smell the hint of nature returning. As you get closer to the Demeter, it gets stronger.
• The foliage and trees around you actually are taking on flecks of natural looks once again, the browns and greens that you would expect.
• Every now and again, you think you hear the sing song of a bird on the light wind.
2nd Scene description: As they come upon the Tree, there is a great bonfire. All of the goblins, troll, cyclops have been prepared to be burned. Rianton turns to the companions and asks “please, wait here a moment with the wounded, I must speak with them first”. He and Valandor walk up to the leader and begin explaining something to him, and if you continue watching, you notice another elf, a much older looking Elf step up and seems to emphatically be denying his words. After a couple minutes of discussion/argument, Ural steps away holding his gaze at the group as he moves back and then begins watching the area surrounding the bonfire. Rianton comes back, he is smiling and Valandor approaches the tree “Rowen and Oak, please guide these good gentles into the protection of Demeter. They are to be placed in the outer birth of the wetterleif.” Rowen seems to look haughty as he is given orders, but Oak cheerfully responds and begins encouraging folks to move up to the tree. Rianton then looks to the companions and invites them to join him at the bonfire.
Athtar Nindrol Tordynnar looks old even by Elven standards, on his brow he wears a circlet with what looks to be a majestic bird of prey, the circlet sits on a head full of long, Blondish/Grey hair, and he is wearing a beautifully crafter suit of plate that appears to be gold, with intricate fluting and inlays that look to be lines that end in leaves. (Speaks slowly, enunciating precisely, and drawing out the words as if each word matters.)
The whole time Ural, his bodyguard stares at them with a watchful almost hateful eye. He is wearing Half Plate of exquisite make, but it appears to be blued to a blackened state. He carries a maul, and unusual for an elf, he has a beard. His face appears to have been burned at some point, but it could be age, you’re not sure. If and when he does speak, he speaks in a gravelly voice that makes you think he may have taken a throat wound at some point.
The Elven leader is prepared to give a speech:
On the day the Empire of 1,000 Leaves fell, the sky burned the color of charred blood, and the muddy boots of the Imperator’s Warmakers pounded cadenced thunder across the cobblestoned courtyard of the Aberwyth. It was always a place of beauty and tranquility, a place of solace, and a place of meditation. The grand trees standing majestically above the stone palace, the palace lovingly erected by not just those of Elven hand, but Dwarf, Human, Halfling, Gnome, and even Orcish descent erected it. (as he motions over in the direction of the nation of Romarot) In this hour, it’s an unburied mass grave of innocents. The people littered the streets – some spirits lingering, though many left this Plane, their wounds bled the last of their hope into the gaps between the cobblestones. But today, today it stands as a mausoleum. These creatures, these abominations, their appearance is that of a corruption. Nature gone awry. With this fire, we will return them to their ancestors, for then they may truly choose how their spirit will live on.
At this, the wardens not standing watch over the proceedings move forward and begin reverently putting the bodies into the bonfire. Once they are done, they are introduced to the Elven leader, and his bodyguard. Small talk, and then they invite them into the Demeter. While they move forward they can now see it looks like Elves are laying against the base of the tree, as if holding a loved one. If asked they are Druids, and they are infusing the land with good magic.

Back to the earth and all that. Dark City has fallen, and it is expect that they will attack the Dwarves soon:
- The ruined Fortress of Vannte (at the base of the mountains near the finger of jutting north on the Sea of Cerish at the base of the Great Kavarsus)
- More Towers in the Deadwood
- Undercover operation in Galeoth
Tryse in the Realm of Shrouds will be under attack within a month probably 2 weeks, the barbarians are migrating to battle, hence the barbarians that waylaid Walden, Venton, and Jorg. Quite possibly many other small towns and villages between here and the mountains. They are not all the same tribe, and as they passed they set upon these villages.

making new friends

The leader of the elves, after having set his guards to tracking the barbarians, discussed in elven, and somewhat privately, the situation with Rianton. After a few moments, Rianton cleared his throat and in a firm voice said, “Canton… you have a firm command of magic, but you never did master your own curiosity.”
Out of habit, E’mryk walked into their midst quietly recounting the alpharcane. When he noticed the amused smiles of the two taller folk, he quickly dropped off, but remained in their presence.
The smiling Rianton, continuing in the elven tongue, told his former student, “you five sure kicked the hornet’s nest when you lit up the trees of the Deadwood. Irin’ d’orin a’ halen a’ mor’alhnel…A light in darkness calls to good folk to spread it and the bad to try and snuff it.”

Later in the evening after some rest, the gnome looked to his friends and offered the thoughts he gathered, “We might consider the name Irin’ d’orin, (pronounced ear-in-de-orin). Which, in elven roughly translates to ‘light in darkness’ or ‘lighting darkness’. I thought it fitting considering what we’ve done and what we will continue to do…”

As they crested the hill overlooking Walden, they were able to take in the view of the carnage. In the light of the setting sun, they were able to make out that most of the building were alight, some on the East side in full blaze. Based on what they were seeing, a lone figure was fighting off a large group of 20-30 in front of Jed’s house. Valandor and Rianton looked to the party to determine their emotions, and how they would like to proceed. They decided to move in with two groups, E’mryk, Dain, Rianton, and Zay coming around the right side of Jed’s house, while the other group, Enoch, Quinn, would come in around the left. Valandor looked Enoch up and down before asking “Is that armor a symbol of your station?” with a sneer in his voice and speaking in a heavily accented almost alien voice. Enoch answered without skipping a beat “No, this armor came off the last person I killed” explained with such finality it was certain he was not an Imperial soldier. Valandor nodded and then ordered “Oak, Trince, you will go with this man… Enoch, and follow his orders.” A derisive noise could be heard coming from Rowen before he took a deep breath and turned away. Valandor turned a menacing gaze to Rowen speaking more than he might have said verbally. The party cast looks around between concerned and confused before Valandor spoke still staring at Rowen “Stance, Rowen and I will provide a screen of arrows from the hilltop to cover you.” The defenders then made their way into and amongst the burning structures.

The first salvo of the defenders began with the archers firing into the fray, Stance and Rowen missing their mark while Valandor took one of the attackers right in the eye. As the body fell E’mryk and Zay could hear the chanting of Rianton before the shadows surrounding the barbarians seemed to come alive and set upon several and causing them to shriek in horror in pain as they held their heads or attempted to fight off the black shapes assaulting them. E’mryk, Dain and Zay came around the corner to see the sight of a massive weapon of war, a half orc wielding a great maul as she chanted gutterally to herself “Honorable beyond honor. Without compromise. Courageous beyond circumstance. Without compromise. Unprejudiced and just. Without compromise. Loyal unto death, and beyond. Without compromise. Ours is the unseen kingdom, we are its warrior kings. Sundera Compris; Forever without compromise.” as her maul connected with one barbarian’s head sending him careening into the barbarian next to him both heads exploding like melons. She then turned her maul sideways and with a loud roar, she slammed the haft into four at once and shoved them back from her. E’mryk, Dain and Zay moved to the porch of the building where Jed leaned against the door frame, his life blood oozing from a wound in his left shoulder.

Enoch came around the left side of the building, engaging the closest barbarian, as Oak and Stance parted around him like water in a fluid motion, moving in to a flanking position.

Well, our area of it did

Quinn awoke in an unknown place, surrounded by unknown people, in an unknown body. The room was a long, midnight black oval, and the walls seemed as if they were closing in on him, suffocating him. He gazed around, and realized that he was in the presence of the Imperator himself. Without knowing why, Quinn knew that he was in the midst of a council meeting. He also knew that he was no longer Quinn. He was Initiate Oakherder, apprentice to Lord Malus, the Convoker. The officials were arguing about the best course of action to take concerning the Elves of 1000 Leaves. They had recently stopped trading with the Empire and sealed off their borders. After much deliberation, Malus arose and spoke to the Imperator. “Imperator, I know that my people will hold true to their word concerning this self-imposed isolation. They would allow me audience, but no amount of persuasion will cause them to change their minds. However, I want you to know that whatever they do, my allegiance lies with you.”
The Imperator leaned forward in his chair, scrutinizing the Convoker. “Your people, they will allow you in, correct?” At the elf’s nod of affirmation, the Imperator arose. “This meeting is adjourned! Everyone except Malus is to leave my presence immediately.”
As the disgruntled people filed out the door, Prime Envoy Frey Morgan approached Initiate Oakherder. “How go your studies Initiate?”
“Malus tends to be a harsh master, and he assigns much work, but I am learning quickly.” Oakherder responded.
“Good, good. It seems as though an acceleration of your studies will be necessary for upcoming events.” said the Envoy. Before Oakherder was able to voice his confusion, Malus burst out of the chamber with a troubled expression on his face. Mentally came the command, “Initiate, prepare the Griffins. We ride in the quarter hour.”
Malus rushed on as the Initiate hurried to obey his orders. After saddling the Griffins, a task of only a few minutes, Oakherder began to daydream. He was snapped out of it moments later by Malus, already in the air, shouting “We ride!”.

Upon arrival at Hallowhall, Malus quietly informed Oakherder to keep the Griffins saddled and ready to go. The sense of urgency in his tone left no room for questions. Only moments later, shouting ensued from inside Hallowhall. Oakherder quickly began shooing away children who came to fawn over the Griffins. As he did so, Malus burst through the large double doors, a body slung over one shoulder. He rushed past the guards and ran towards Malus. Before Oakherder could ask for orders, Malus’s voice came to him through the Convoker’s ring, a mental communications spell. GETREADY TO FLEE He shouted. An arrow went through his calf, and then another hit him in the shoulder as he stumbled. PLANTTHEPURGATORYRODANDFLEE!!! Malus screamed mentally. Oakherder gulped. That was an incredibly aggressive maneuver. He steeled himself and grasped the rod in question. Uttering the words of Convocation, he plunged it into the ground. The spell went off, launching a web over a large area and surrounding that area with a ring of fire. Oakherder knew he only had seconds, but he couldn’t leave his master. As he searched for a way to help, Malus screamed once more FLYYOUFOOL! Several more arrows sunk into his body. Oakherder, knowing there was nothing more he could do, mounted and took flight. He made it out of the area of the Purgatory Rod just in time to see a fireball consume everything below him. As he watched, the other griffin flew out of the licking flames with a battered and burned Malus in one talon, and a corpse in the other.

Quinn awoke in a cold sweat. He looked around and realized he was back in the midst of his companions. His sigh of relief was cut short by E’mryk’s voice saying “there are an inordinate amount of figures out there. I think it would be advisable if we left. Now. With all due haste. And then some.” The companions all sprung to their feet and quickly gathered their supplies. They stepped outside the Tree of Artifex and into a nightmare. Black figures were racing through the trees and to one side, creatures were cannibalizing the dead of their own races. As they started away from the door, a figure clad fully in black stepped out of the door from behind them. As this happened, time froze temporarily. The figure pointed at the companions, and the monsters nearby all turned their heads. Quinn froze in his tracks as he saw the figure and whispered “that’s Malus”. At the same time, the companions all heard Gribulp’s squeaky voice yell “RUN”. They obeyed.

The companions rushed down the road, With the Ranger blazing a trail ahead and the rest following behind. The two humans paused occasionally now and then to take wild shots at their pursuit and to allow the shorter members of the party to catch up. Goblins, troll runts, and cyclops poured out of the forest behind them and ran to the sides as well. Arrows zipped all around the company, sometimes injuring the companions and missing vitals by mere inches. Unseen cyclops threw small trees at the companions. One such tree struck another tree, and dropped across the road, separating the smaller humanoids from the humans. Zay and E’mryk both stumbled as they attempted to scale it, but they succeeded more or less with ease. Dain, who was running as fast as his dwarvish legs could take him, had built up momentum similar to that of a charging rhino stumbled and slid headfirst into the log. He also struggled up and tumbled over it, pursuit hot on his heels.

By now, rain was pouring down in buckets. Visibility was low, however, Quinn was still able to make out a roadblock being assembled up ahead a way. Grumbling to himself, he drew his bow and launched an arrow, rapidly followed by another. The goblins and trolls being thrown put their heads down in order to keep them attached. One goblin was too slow and took an arrow through the eye. Quinn took this split second to launch himself over the 6 foot tall dirt burm to his left. Enoch quickly followed. The dwarf, gnome and halfling quickly reached that point and attempted to scale the side while Enoch and Quinn quickly disemboweled the nearby goblins. They turned back to help their much shorter companions, and then took off into the undergrowth. The two humans led the group and quickly realized that everyone else was sliding down the hill they were going down. They attempted to put Zay and E’mryk back onto their feet, but were soon plowed over by the dwarven tank rocketing toward them. At the bottom of the hill, they were all launched into a deep, fast river. Dain, who had been knocked unconscious in the fall, immediately sank like a rock. The rest of the companions were plunged deep underwater, just in time to see an incredible burst of fire on the surface of the water. As the conscious companions resurfaced, they quickly realized they were missing one. Quinn and Zay both pulled out ropes, Quinn diving back in with his and Zay seeking an anchor for hers. E’mryk also dove back in, and cast a spell of light on the Rangers left arm. After several failed attempts at diving, Quinn resurfaced and got out of the river. He handed the rope to Enoch, giving him instructions to pull as hard as he could when he felt three tugs. The ranger then ran upstream and dove again. E’mryk and Zay exited the water as well to offer what assistance they could. Quinn reached the bottom of the river and tied the rope around Dain. After tugging the rope three times, he went to gather Dain’s hammer and shield. Zay attempted to pull, but E’mryk was struck by a different, better idea. He waved his hands, muttered an incantation… and turned into a potted plant. As he did so, Enoch doubled in size. With the strength of a small giant, Enoch ripped Dain out of the water in no time at all. Quinn surfaced quickly after and pulled himself to the shore just in time to see a daisy in a flower pot turn into E’mryk. Not even wanting to ask, he pulled himself out of the water and took stock of the situation. Dain was conscious again, and everyone was alive, so he focused on more immediate concerns, like the dozen or so goblins and trolls moving in to engage them.

Zay and E’mryk both jumped into the water and began swimming while Dain fled and Enoch and Quinn attacked the enemy. E’mryk threw a firebolt as he jumped, and a surge of wild magic doubled him in size as well. After dropping a few of the goblins, the humans began sprinting away. They quickly encountered a group of roughly three times as many goblins as companions. Quinn ran through them, pausing to slice into a few goblins. Enoch tripped over one of the goblins and fell, rolling over several of them and crushing a good number. Quinn turned around and engaged, giving Enoch a chance to stand and they ran on. Zay and E’mryk, still in the water, were forced to duck underneath a branch, and they were thrown over a waterfall. Enoch and Quinn ran full on into Dain’s back and fell over the side of a 15 foot cliff, landing in a heap at the bottom.

A few feet in they crested a rise which brought them into the awe inspiring presence of three massive golden dragons. The dragons growled out a single word as they inhaled, “DOOOOOWWWWWWNN!”
The companions, sensing what was to come, dropped flat on their faces just as the dragons put everything behind them to the torch. The weary company arose to see a group of elves standing before them, with master Rianton Vahhandrehellyn.
“What are you doing here?!” the wizened old wizard asked incredulously. E’mryk, realizing he was in the presence of possibly the last elves on Earwa, walked straight up to the most authoritative one and held his hand out, introducing himself. The Elven leader chuckled as E’mryk shrank back down to size, but grasped the hand in a firm handshake. “We have much to discuss,” he told the companions.

...or unannounced and unwanted guests

E’mryk comes back into the common room where everyone was munching on some rabbit brought down by the ranger who was guided to it by delighted, but agitated Gribulp.
“Ladies and… and men, standing watch on the balcony above gave me a good view of movement within the Deadwood below. I watched intently as a handful of human-sized shapes attempted to stealth through the trees. They were headed this direction. I could not make out any insignia. They appeared to be substantial, but they also could have been glimpses of the past.”
The adventurous group looked at the gnome as if his nose had grown six more inches since they’d seen him just a few hours before.
“Should we be alarmed?” the gnome prompted, thereby breaking them from their shock and into action.

Murder most foul...

Damaceus broke from the melee, and his quad, sprinting to the glowing object laying on the cloak, the beautiful prize glistening in the dark. As he ran, he imagined the commendations he would receive for such a find, maybe even Centurion was in his future after all. But as he tugged on the cloak that the fire opal lay on, he had the hard realization as to why it had taken so many of those criminals to lift it. That realization manifested in a hasty decision, as he glanced over at the Dwarf standing prepared for battle, and across the rest of his quad, he knew he had to escape to report his findings. So he sprinted, as his life blood dripped out of him, and he knew he was close to death, he ran for his life. Just as the door was in sight, and he imagined his escape route, the killing blow came in the form of bolts of green magic deftly hitting their mark. He fell, breathing his last…

As the five adventurers relaxed quietly, it was Enoch to speak first. “That was a Quad. My Father spoke of them.” He looks around at his companions “they are sent out in groups of four to five, and with these killed, there will be more… they will definitely send more.” Enoch looked down at the suit of half plate, half donned, and half laying near him. Looking upon the sable pteruges of leather on his thighs, admiring the craftsmanship. The greaves were of solid make, and he now looking upon them he realized why his Father spoke so highly of the craftsmen of the Empire. He knew it would mark him, just as the symbols of the arcane legions adorned the robes that E’mryk was admiring on himself just a few feet away. “We should stage a fight, put our armor and old weapons on the quad. We could pull out the Goblins, and the Cyclops and make it looks like they all killed each other.” He tried to sound convincing “It’s worth a shot!” Realizing that his companions did not know of his private thoughts and that they now wore the regalia of the legions. Quinn was shaking his head in agreement, excited at the idea. “I can help bring them in, and we can lay them out similar to the fight we just had. I think it will work.”

“What are you doing young one?” E’mryk’s voiced as they saw that Zay was not in their presence. “Let us join you, it will be much safer.” E’mryk finished. The four remaining gathered up their things and cautiously approached the door in the back of the room. As they eased it open, the light from their weapons shone upon the entry corridor, wherein was a counter with plates and utensils on the right. Those with dark-vision were able to see beyond that the room contained a wooden countertop that continued on into a room. Barely able to contain herself, Zay trotted forward breaking the threshold of the room when a horrendous clatter responded from within. The sound of pots and pans being thrown around in a violent maelstrom sounded from within. She withdrew her foot causing the noise to stop and looked back at her companions. She then burst into the room and looked upon the kitchen and what unearthly being it contained. As the adventurers burst in E’mryk led with a gooey burst of sticky web, staying the thing in it’s place. Not realizing that one move probably saved all of their lives, for without it being mobile, it would not have been able to break into multiples and attack all at once. The battle ensued with not so quick work, for their weapons did not do normal damage to the thing, and big chunks being burned off with E’mryk’s firey blasts. Nothing of note contained in the Kitchen, they moved on to the last portal where they found a room of fine arts, painting, sketching, paints, brushes, magical paints, printing presses, canvases. It was then the adventurers decided to light the hearth.

The cadre moved back to the common room, and E’mryk watched as Enoch and Quinn moved the Fire Opal onto the table. He then climbed onto the table next to the hearth, and closed his eyes, remembering the images in the chamber below. With reverence he reached for the Opal and lifted it with amazing ease as the hearth opened, much like a snake opens its jaws to receive its food, and saw a cradle to receive the Fire Opal. Placing it within, the words moved within his mind ‘conflactres’. He knew the tone and the inflection must be precise in order for the insertion to work correctly. Taking a deep breath, closing his eyes, he held up his arms, and leaned his head back and announced “CONFLACTRES!” Moments of silence dragged on as he slowly opened one eye, looking around at his confused companions. The other eye popped open and he scanned his work. “Nothing is wrong, I did it exactly as..” it was then a rumbling occurred, a rumbling followed by the sound of hissing, like gas flowing through lines, and the hearth lit. It lit for the first time in over two centuries as the adventurers stood on in wide eyed amazement at E’mryk’s handiwork.

The last door led down into a crematorium, and an area where four dead, Elven bodies laid. They looked as they did in life, for they had been made up for funeral rites prior to burning their bodies. After some discussion, they determined it best to leave the bodies for now, and move from the Tree of Artifex.

After fighting the Nothics, the adventures slumped down in the library for a short rest during which a quiet calmness swept into the room, making every adventurer feel more calm. Then, each adventurer seemed to be in a different space, an area that they once felt comfortable in, one where they might see their old trainer. In each instance, each adventurer was asked these questions:

Who are you?

Why are you here?

What are you planning to do here?

Where did you come from?

When are you leaving?
Each of the adventurers answered their questions:

Dain Frothbeard spoke to Father Silvarous Calwood, the wizened old Dwarf that taught him Divinity

1. Dain Frothbeard
2. I come to cleanse the world
3. Resurrect the forest
4. The mountains to the Southeast
5. I shall not leave this area until it has life returned to it, in the name of my Father and my Goddess Nike

E’mryk found himself in his cabin, speaking to Master Rianton, the old Wizard that trained him to use his sorcery.

Enoch Oakhearder, speaking to Zofo Oakherder, better known as Roderick Oakherder of the Fifth Legion, Master at Arms to Centurion Fennick Alabaster

1. I am Enoch Oakherder, freeborn son of Roderick and Emma Oakherder
2. I am here to spread light and love at the edge of my sword
3. Allow the beauty of the land to be free from this shadow
4. I come from the soil, a being of the world
5. I will leave when I feel my job here is done

Quinn, speaking to Jed, the Bandit leader who took him in and trained him.

1. I am Quinn, the former highwayman turned mercenary and guard of Earwa
2. I am here because it is my duty to give back to the world to recompense for my crimes
3. I plan on freeing the land from the grasp of the evil which resides here
4. I come from the Dark City, I didn’t live there for long, or often, but I called it my home. My home is now the land.
5. I plan on leaving as soon as I have conquered the plague that grasps this land

Zahara “Zay” spoke to William, the Rogue that taught her the cunning art of Roguing

1. I am Maleficent, a wizard!
2. To find valuable information about the past
3. Find valuable information
4. North from here
5. Right now

As Zay finished up answering her questions, her trainer, William, told her to “come, I want you to meet someone.” As William and Zay walk away to the others, Zay starts to see an older Elven man in another room. The rest of the group starts to come in, to find Zay sitting on a table with the elven stranger wiggling a finger, and scolding her for lying. Once he notices the rest of the group, he introduces himself as “Lore Tallinfall, the master of The Tree of Atrifex.” Each adventurer introduces themselves, and Tallinfall then he explains he asked them the questions to understand their intent or what was in their hearts. Then, he says they would meet a fire elemental, and says to keep an eye on Zay. As the masters of each person disappears, a door appears and E’mryk could not help but examine the door. With Quinn at the front, and Dain in the rear, with weapons drawn, goes down the stairwell. At the bottom, they see a egg with fire in it on a cloth. E’mryk tripped over his curiosity and touched the egg. Memories that the egg saw flashed into E’mryks mind, overwhelmed him, that he fell to his knees. Each member of the group rushed to save the curious Gnome. Enoch the Human laid part of the cloth over the egg and touched the folded cloth to see if it would effect him. Fortunately, it did not, so he tried to pick it up.It was too heavy for him, and Quinn came to help him carry it. Quinn and Enoch carried the fiery egg up the stairs, while Zay, Dain and E’mryk are on lookout for any danger. After a while of wandering, Quinn asked Zay to scout the room they were about to go into, but Zay could not see in the dark room, except for the fire pit in the middle of a table. E’mryk mentions he smells garlic to Zay. Zay gave the “OK” to the adventurers in the door way. Once the rest came in, a voice starts to speak.

Lounging on one of the love seats one of the quad begins with “Well well well, I like what you’ve done with the place! I mean, that wind thingie down the hall is truly playing songs from the ages, idn’t it? Those pretty little ditties haven’t been heard since these pointy ears were flitting around the forest.” He smiles with a big shit eating grin, as he surveys the party. “Mmmmhmmm.” Damaceus then stands up “Welp! I have to admit, it sure has been a good run, but the Imperator has decided this little sortie has come to an end. His Eminence would like to thank you for your hard work, but you’re going to need to hand over that little jewel you got in your hot little hands there.” As he begins to cast Mage Hand to attempt to pick it up and move it over to him.

Everyone starts to go to their weapons, and Enoch and Quinn lowers the egg slowly. The creature threatens the group if the egg was not given to it. As he threatened the group, two men came from either side, and one next to the creature speaking. The group of adventurers would not give it to the creature, and the creature began to wave his hands in the air. A web shoots from his hands, and hits the people at the door. E’mryk got blinded from the man at the creatures side, and the man to Zay’s right, started to walk toward her, weapons drawn. He winks at Zay, Zay being disgusted, and the man hitting her twice. Quinn summons Brother Bear, then shoots at Damaceus at the front. E’mryk tries to send Damaceus and Carnavon to sleep, but failed. Damaceus replied, Nice try little one,nice try. We could end it right now." Without thinking twice,the Gnome replies, “OK, we accept your surrender.” Enoch swings at enemy infront of him, but the enemy blocked it. Dain heals Zay when he noticed she got hit pretty hard. The man next to Zay asks, “What’s your name little lady?”Zay replies sarcastically, “Why would you care?” The man replies, “So I can know your name when I kill you.” Zay’s adrenaline sparks and she jabbed the guy in the guts, and moves to flanking position. The man says, “That wasn’t really nice.” as he licks his arm. Damaceus fired three Magic Missiles at Brother Bear. Damaceus then cast Guiding Bolt at the bear. The fighter then said to Damaceus, “Sure Damaceus, leave the bear for me.” The man that attacked Zay then went around her, smart enough to notice she was in flank. Then he hits her again with his swords, and Zay outrages, “That was a papercut!” Quinn attempts to shoot at Damaceus, but misses. The bear goes toward Damaceus, and swings with his paws,and knocks Damaceus out. E’mryk recovered from his blindness, and flanked with Zay while Enoch attacked the enemy caught in the web. Dain casts ‘Bless’ on himself, Quinn, and Enoch. Then Dain swung at the enemy in the web.

Zay lunged with an attack on Termite and asks," What’s your name? I think I’m the victor." Believing her, the man replies, “Pale Termite.” The Gnome makes fun of his name, and Pale replies," Don’t make fun of me Gnome." Pale disengages and runs to the bear and attacks. The Gnome shouts after Pale,“Was he wearing his brown pants? Because it is now!” Pale kills the bear and Carnavon in the web grabs his weapon, and moves toward Damaceus. Dain moves through part of the web. Quinn yells in agony as his Brother Bear dies. Quinn shoots at the group of enemies, but misses. E’mryk casted web on the group of enemies. E’mryk yells at Zay," Zay! Pull your bow!" Web that was attached to Quinn, Dain, And Enoch goes away and Enoch steps forward and drops the fighter. Dain moves forward and and hits an enemy. Zay jumps over the table after dropping her daggers and grabbed her bow, shots at Pale, but misses. “We’re not done yet because you’re not dead, Pale!” Zay screams. Pale cheek clicks at Zay. the cleric waved his hands and mists surrounded him, and the two down got back up. Damaceus whacks the his staff on the ground and hits Dain and Enoch launching Enoch back ten feet. The fighter stands up and hits Dain. Meanwhile, Pale attempts to break free of the web, but does not. He drops his weapons and grabs his bow aiming at Zay and knocks her unconscious while he cheek clicks at her again. As Zay goes down, she screams with all of her strength, “you foul creature!” and fell to the floor. The wizard stands up all the way while Quinn gets stuck in the web trying to hit Roken. Quinn then swings, and misses. E’mryk moves off the table, and shoots green magic missiles at Pale and knocks him down. Then E’mryk moves towards Zay and pulls out his tubed tablets and stuck one in her mouth after which Zay sits up. Enoch launches off of Dain’s supported shield and jumps over Roken hitting him. He then tries to roll over the web, but got stuck. Dain moves toward the fighter, and swings his hammer, and misses, and gets stuck in the web. Zay stands up and says, “Oh good, Pale is down.” Then Zay shoots at the priest , but misses. Wizard moves next to Quinn and hits him. Wizard shoots lightning again and Dain shoots ten feet back.Enoch and Quinn also took damage. Wizard moves out of the web, and moves next to the egg, tries to pick it up, fails. Dain hit Wizard as Damaceus tried to pick the egg up. The fighter Tries to get out of the web, but did not. Quinn yelled," E’mryk, get this off of me!" Web disappears. E’mryk moves toward the mob of enemies and enlarges Enoch. Quinn attacks cleric, and hits. Enoch’s round body stands up, attacks Roken and Roken drops. E’mryk calls after Zay," Shoot the guy going for the egg!" Dain swings at Wizard, and misses. Dain then attacks the fighter, and misses again. Zay shoots at Damaceus, hitting. Wizard and fighter try to run. the fighter gets knocked down as he tried to run. E’mryk moves toward table, and shoots Magic missiles at Damaceus dropping him. Enoch slices every enemy’s throat while they lay unconscious on the floor.

After defeating the animated suits of armor, the adventurers settled down into the opening at the end of the corridor and set up camp. They had been travelling and fighting an indeterminate amount of time, but the amount of trail rations remaining said roughly 4 days. The two magic users, E’mryk and Dain, examined the suits of armor and came to the joint conclusion that the spirits of Elven sentries, too loyal to leave their post upon death, had remained in that hallway for centuries to keep out unwanted company.

The adventurers took turns on watch to ensure that no undesirables came down the corridor or through the large double doors at the end of it. Inscribed inside of a leaf on the doors was the sigil of the Elven Tree of Artifex.

E’mryk took the last watch of the “night”, after Quinn. He sat near the double doors, studying them. Having more or less committed the journal to memory, he was incredibly bored and the door attracted his overpowering gnomish interest. After waiting almost two hours in this painstakingly bored state, he finally gave in. He arose from his post, and went through the doors.

The room beyond was dark, but to his gnomish eyes it was perfectly well lit. There was a long table in the middle of the room as well as chairs and desks scattered around the entirety of the room. There were also six mirrors on the wall, three on either side. As he looked closer at them they seemed to ripple in a way that indicated magical properties. As he gazed around, the rest of the party came rushing through the door, weapons raised and spells prepared to deliver hell onto whatever vile creature had stolen their gnome. Upon realizing the kidnapper was the gnomes own curiosity, the adventurers lowered their weapons and began to join E’mryk in his exploration. After having the hilt of his sword magically lit by the sorcerer, Quinn went to examine a mirror, Enoch close behind. As he went, the gnome stuck his head into-and through- one of the mirrors. He pulled his head back through into the main room and squeaked “there’s a textile room through there!” The companions, amazed at the discovery, started looking through all the mirrors. After discovering a multitude of hallways, Dain decided to step all the way through. The rest of the party came rushing through a few seconds later, weapons raised to administer punishment onto whatever foul creature had snatched him. Upon realizing nothing had snatched him, the companions moved on tho examine the area. the hallway opened into room roughly 300 feet wide and 500 feet long, filled with a mess of work areas, desks, tables and chairs. The place was a ransacked mess with nothing alive in it and everything potentially valuable long ago pilfered and plundered. The companions moved back into the main room and moved to then next mirror. after proceeding down a corridor, they came upon a large area filled with all manner of forges and blacksmiths tools. There were spaces for all manner of metalwork ranging form armor and weapons, to the fine molds and tools used to form jewelry. Unfinished jobs littered the floor, revealing metalwork in forms that hadn’t been seen in centuries. Dain, being a blacksmith, let out a cry of lamentation at the scene. After allowing Zay to search for hidden objects or passageways, the companions returned to the main hall. They proceeded on through the next room, led by the light of Dain’s hammer and Quinn’s sword. They came into a large room, appearing to be another work room with more desks, tables and chairs scattered around. The room had a door on the far end which the companions promptly headed towards. As they moved, an ungodly moaning filled the air and a monster looking very similar to a rug fell from its hiding place above them.
Quinn immediately dropped his blades and jumped away from the Cloaker and into cover to get a hold of the situation and to gain control over the unspeakable fear it had inspired in him. He drew his bow and loosed an arrow into the flowing, floating mass of carpet as it both bit and stabbed at E’mryk with its teeth and tail. Enoch, also terrified by this new threat, stepped back and loosed an arrow of his own as Zay did the same from the other side. E’mryk drew a dagger and rammed it into the things back as Dain summoned a spectral hammer to join the fray. The Cloaker then pushed into the gap left by Enoch and Quinns retreat and attacked the ranger, biting and stabbing into him as he had into the gnome. Enoch, snapping out of the terror he had previously been subjected to, realized it was very similar to the feeling inspired by the elven ghosts who had left their mark in his signature beard. A bubble of rage overcame him and he drew his two scimitars and laid into the Cloaker with a snarl on his face that would have sent any sentient creature scrambling away in terror. Quinn, seeing his comrades courage and fury, snapped out of the artificial terror as well. Seeing his swords lying on the other side of the beast, he decided to do something incredibly foolhardy and dangerous. He dropped his bow and launched himself forward into a roll underneath the monster, dodging its attempts to impede him. He tumbled underneath it in a painful but seemingly graceful motion and as he rolled, he grabbed his swords from the ground and plunged them into the things underbelly, ripping them through its body and out its back. The Cloaker shrieked in pain and then fell to the ground, dead. Dain uttered a spell to heal his allies and they made themselves comfortable to rest briefly.

Upon the end of this break, the party arose and moved through the door at the end of the hallway. The room beyond was pitch dark, with the only light present emanating from Dain’s hammer and Quinn’s sword. As he crossed the threshold, Quinn briefly knelt in concentration to cast a spell of detection for enemies. He sensed… something. He arose and spoke to his friends, “I don’t think we’re alone in here. Be on your guard.” Immediately after this, a voice emanated from everywhere and nowhere at once “Who won the last battle of the first war?” it inquired.
“Me” Zay not so cleverly responded.
“A cute answer, Zahara, but not correct” the voice responded. Clutching his swords tighter, Quinn guessed “the Empire?”
The voice chuckled in a way that sounded like stones grinding together and a one eyed beast dropped into the midst of the party.
E’mryk, acting more on instinct than anything else, threw a blazing green firebolt right into the Nothics eye.
7 more of the Nothics then appeared in the room.
“Brigade commander Garret Brithalstan won the last battle of the First war!” E’mryck yelled. The voice chuckled again and the monsters attacked. The companions laid into the first wave of creatures, slaughtering them wholesale, but more kept appearing. “That was the right answer you son of a Balor!” E’mryk yelled, enraged. He let out a burst of fire, roasting all of the enemies who had come in in a tight cluster. “What good is a book in a room full of books?” the voice interjected as more of the Nothics converged on the companions, using much better tactics after seeing the others go up in flames. “Search the books!” Quinn yelled to his friends as he threw himself into the melee. Dain and E’mryk started grabbing books as they fought off the monsters and the rest of the group fought the monsters off. Shadows danced over the scene as the party fought on, the only light created by Dain’s hammer and Quinn’s sword. The swinging of the weapons caused a gloomy, semi dark state in which they fought and searched for clues to the riddle. As the cleric and sorcerer searched the books, they yelled their discoveries to the rest of the party.
“Kort was King, after Stratus and before No one! From Stages of War!”
“Granville ruled before Wardofsken, from Rules of Engagement.”
“Yurton was older than Kort and ruled directly after Stratus, from Melees of the First Era”
“Wardofsken lost his crown in the crusade of King Kort, Tales of the First Era”
“Stratus ruled one king before Wardofsken, from lost chapters of Granville’s letters!”
As they shouted these clues out, the rest of the group fought in. Quinn momentarily stepped back from the fight and muttered something unintelligible. As he did this, and enormous brown bear appeared in the middle of the room. As one, he and the bear let out a primeval roar and entered the melee with a vengeance. As this occured, Zay felt a rejuvenation from the wounds she had received. E’mryk, giggling like a homicidal maniac was furiously whirling his daggers around like toothpicks of doom, making comments about the anatomy of the enemy, particularly the weakness of their eye. As they fought, Quinn started piecing the clues together in his not particularly bright but incredibly experienced mind. As he made connections, he realized something. “Granville won the last battle of the first war! He was the first king!”
“You are correct Quinn. Well done.” The voice permeated the room. The monsters stopped appearing, and those in the rooms were quickly stabbed, sliced, burned, hammered, shot, or eaten, and often eaten anyway. As they left the room, E’mryk turned and let loose a few bolts of fire into the room and muttered “I was still right you little bastard!”

RECAP
Previously, in the Deadwood we saw our three adventurers, uhh excuse me, for I cannot forget the aid of the Sprite Gribulp, ahem, the four adventurers had laid low the dark goblin Grimak Nailbiter in a heroic battle which almost took the life of poor Em’rykk. Sitting around the fire, Em’rykk had been reading the diary they had found and exclaimed “here it is, the last entry ’I am beginning to wonder if there can ever be victory, or just extermination. Please do not let this go on…” He looked from Zay to Quinn, watching the weight of his words wash over them before continuing. “There were fourteen trees, we would think of them as towers. Interesting, very interesting indeed.” When they felt up to it, they crossed the threshold of the green veil, and into the final chamber of the Tree of Demeter. As the 3 adventurers enter the grand chamber, they are struck by the fractured beauty before them. The interior of this once great hall, the Tree of Demeter, has seen many a brave hero. It knew loyalty, conviction, valor, and finally sacrifice. For within this chamber, there is a great sadness that seems to permeate from without. But hanging from the boughs of this great tree are what appear to be wrought iron cages at varying heights, what they were once used for are obviously not what they are used for now. Within the 14 cages are bodies in different stages of decomposition, and some just outright bone. You can see where there are arrows stuck in the heights of the tree, as the foul creatures must have used prisoners for target practice to pass the time. “There is significance in this number…” Em’rykk’s voice trailed off as they heard the sounds of two in the back pleading for help. Dain Frothbeard, the Dwarven Cleric and Enoch Oakherder, the Champion fighter looking to make a name for himself. After the two had been cut down, it was not long before Gribulp came into the room alarmed “The light, we must flee, the light is up” it was at this point the 5 adventurers realized that natural color had returned to the boughs of the tree, and there was a natural light illuminating the chamber. They quickly found an exit behind the wooden throne afixed within the hall, and slid down the old ropes that were surprisingly sturdy for so many years of no use.
Safely in the catch of the landing of another tree, they were then able to see the light Gribulp referred to. A beacon into the sky, straight from the Tree of Demeter. “I’ve got bad feeling about this” said Quinn. It was then, they determined their course, they would move onto the next tree to see what they could find. The once majestic Tree of Artifex stood before them, and visibly, the tower’s broken lift. After hoisting a rope, the party made their forward and across a rope bridge, and into the open expanse of the welcoming hall. Within, arrayed behind desks and tables for various tasks lay rubbish of the artisan sort and voices from within the hall. As they approached, curious of the voices there was a loud scraping that resounded, and they all turned to look at Dain. “Ahh damnit!” it was Dain’s foot that scraped across a chair lying sidelong on the floor as they all turned to quiet him, and it was too late. Two apparitions set upon them and gave them the fight of their lives, dropping Dain with the necrotic touch of death, and sending Enoch twenty years forward in age. Had it not been for the swift blades of Quinn and the true striking arrows of Zay, they all would have been done for. Gribulp’s swift thinking and honeysuckle was able to bring Dain back from the long slumber, to which he set to restoring Enoch’s stolen youth through divine means. Unfortunately, a white shock is left in his lovely locks (Isaiah can decide) a reminder of deadly adventures. The 5 err 6 adventurers find a safe spot behind the tables, and set watch for what they believed to be the night, for one cannot truly tell whether it is night or day within the Deadwood. Far away, on a distant island, Athtar Nindrol settled into his chair, finally to take more notes from the Arathamus. “Athtar, Athtar Nindrol, come see, come see!” The excited servant was obviously out of turn, but what were pleasantries in an empire that was no more. So Athtar Nindrol Tordynnar rose, and hurried along the path to the balcony of his appointment, to view the astrologers chart before him. Master of the Arcane, Shalendra Nuovis was concentrating on keeping the star chart overlay to enhance the sky and the stars above. He stared in astonishment, astonished that the Demeter glow was present in the stars. “The Imperator is sure to be watching this as well… to be sure” he half muttered to himself. -—————————————————————————————
Into the Artifex!
Two humongous double doors are at the far end of the entry chamber of the Tree of Artifex, decorated in an unknown method of metallurgy and stones that combine to make a beautiful pattern. As the doors are creaked open the strong smell of stale packed earth, much like a root cellar, seems to be fresh as if kicked up by wind. A wind you actually hear humming and down the hallway. As you cross the threshold your light catches the frescoes along the walls, even in a grayscale you can only look on in wonder at how much time and love went into the creation of the murals. The party took in the wondrous sight of the images on the walls, as they slowly made their way some 100 feet up a left curving corridor. As they approached, the humming of some immense wind seem to assault their hearing, they had to get close and shout to one another in order to be heard.
Into the portal, several peered up in the fierce wind, and those with low-light could make out a tower of sorts extending up into the air. Thick, fluted walls appeared to have holes on the interior, but seemed to be covered by something. Six stories up the inside of the tower is hollow, with thick fluted stone walls buttressed on the inside by octagonal beam supports that allow a fierce outer wind to scream down the flutes of the tower, and once they hit the bottom are funneled back up the center.
The downward wind seemed to be that of a captured Air Elemental and through the flutes make it nearly impossible to climb the inside of the tower, however the fierce updraft in the center allowed for our clever PCs to use homemade parachutes to take
advantage of the wind and carry themselves to the top of the Windvault. Once at the top,
three of the five precariously one armed to grab the catwalk at the top. As the adventurers made their ascent, they were able to eyeball what was blocking the cutouts, two Cyclops and five Goblins all black skinned and very dead. From the catwalk the party
came down to what could only be described as lockers which contained ropes and pulleys, enough for them to cinch up and clear out the cutouts of the foul creatures that filled them. It was then the mysterious songs of the past permeated the windvault, it continued with several parts and played with all manner of instrument.
Sufficiently rested, the party cautiously made their way further into the Tree of Artifex. The left curving corridor continued and the party rounded a swift bend to face four suits of armor, four suits of armor that quickly stepped up into a column two by two. As the party contemplated why if they would stand the enemy would stand guard, or attack, Zay took no time in firing an arrow at them and the melee began. As each enemy fell, the armor would fall clattering to the floor and take on the appearance of rusty, pitted metal. Surveying the damage they had wrought on these… creatures, and avoiding Em’rykk’s Web, the party looked on to another double door beyond where battle had just finished.

a signal of hope, a sign of trouble

Once the fighting ended and E’mryk had thanked the sprite for his timely help, the three and a half companions began investigating the area beyond the green membranous wall over the portal. It parted with minimal resistance and allowed the heroes into the chamber beyond. What they discovered was unexpected.

Suspended from the high ceiling were fourteen chains. At the ends of each were gilded cages of intricate make. Within each were prisoners in varying states of decay, from skeletons to bloated and rotting corpses to some on the very end who moaned.

“That is quite interesting!” said the sorcerer moving toward the sounds.

“Now his curiosity will finish us off completely.” grumbled the ranger. “I just learned that hard lesson not a moment ago.”

Two cages began wobbling with movement as the gnome approached. One contained a battered and tired dwarf, his unkempt hair and beard gave him a rather wild look. The other held a human with a very swollen eye. It was apparent that the pair had been poked and prodded and generally mistreated by their dark goblin captors.

The gnome, deep in curiosity as to how they came to be there, began asking questions. Meanwhile, the halfling discovered a fancy, but grimy key on the belt of the Nailbiter. Climbing atop the shoulders of the tall ranger, she easily opened the two cage doors allowing both to stiffly slide free of their prisons.

Rummaging through the muck and dirty burlap bags the goblins used, they found the gear of the newly freed captives.

A conversation ensued in which much was discovered about each other and how each came to be there. In mid-conversation, Zay noticed that they no longer need light by which to see. An ambient glow had very slowly crept up on them. So gradual was this light that none had noticed until Zay had happened to look upward and observe the light emitting from the top of the tree tower like a beacon in the night. Gribulp, danced in agitation, caught between exhilaration and trepidation for what would then see that light and come looking.

The companions followed the halfling rogue to a cleverly disguised zip line hidden behind some of the tower’s permanent furniture. Down they went. Quinn scouted a fairly sheltered, small cove of trees in which they could rest.
Having similar reasons for being there and feeling somewhat refreshed, the five agreed to carry on together toward the west to attempt the liberation of another tower.

The gnome had the greatest difficulty navigating the ropes of the fallen platform lift which granted access to the fortified tree. Once upon the upper platform, the companions climbed the rope stairways leading to an administrative type room withing the center of the tree. A jumble of turned desks and railings showed the effects of a war. The elven voices, thought to be more of the residue of magics released in that war were dismissed as scenery until they manifested in the light of Frothbeard’s dwarven hammer.

Taken by the beauty of the two spectral figures, the gnome strode forward to greet them. “Do not be alarmed. We are at your service to help in any way we can. Please do not be wroth, we are here to…” cut off in mid plea, the gnome backpedaled until he skidded to a stop behind his new friend, Enoch (and his armor). The female turned to face the diminutive figure and began to wail and scream about defiling her home. Her scream tore through the room with terrifying force challenging the willpower of all before her.

And so the conflict began. Enoch was knocked off his feet by the scream, Quinn bounded into the room for a covered flanking position, Dane collapsed after being the recipient of a spectral blast and was dragged by Enoch to the door, Zay sprinted for the doorway and E’mryk dropped his crossbow and quiver and slid them out the doorway toward his friends.

Quinn came out from cover and slashed into the female apparition with his blades several times while she and her companion were focused on the group of suspected intruders. The male reached out a dark spectral hand which settled in the flesh of the gnome causing his flesh to turn gray, wither and die in the shape of an elven hand. E’mryk squealed and fired a series of three swirling greenish missiles at the woman who then vanished between the damage of blade and blast. Enoch, too frightened to charge into battle grabbed the proffered crossbow and fired hitting the male with a bolt, while Zay took careful aim and sank an arrow into the chest of the remaining ghost. The feathers of her shaft passed through his spectral heart and skidded to a stop amid a pile of debris. Ghost-like tendrils drifted off the now blackened shaft of the rogue’s arrow.

Gribulp dripped honey into the mouth of the dwarf, reviving him in time to see the end of the melee. Eventually, all eyes turned to Enoch, who gazed at his reflection in the blade of his elven scimitar. He looked as though he had doubled in age. His gray beard and hair shown in sharp contrast to its prior dark color.

The dwarven priest gently laid his hand on his new friend’s arm in a comforting manner and said, “I believe my deity can help with your condition.”

The ranger secured a chamber in which to safely rest and the priest set about praying for such a spell.

Into the Gnarlroot Caves to meet Grimak Nailbiter

After slaughtering the black goblins, the companions decided to set up camp and rest for the night. The ranger took first watch and he sat near the edge of the encampment with an arrow to the string of his bow. He attentively kept his watch throughout the first few hours. Or so he thought…
Quinn awoke with a start when he felt his ribs cracking under his studded leather armor. He took in the pain all down his body about the same time he noticed the rather sizable constrictor about to swallow him whole. “Wake up! somebody!” He gasped as the snake continued to crush him. After several precious seconds of whispering, E’mryyk finally stirred, just in time to see the snake begin to swallow the ranger whole. Yelping and shaking Zay to wakefulness, the sorcerer reached over to the snake and shocked it, pausing its consumption of the ranger just long enough for the halfling to spring over to it and carve it open. They then pulled the nearly dead ranger out of the coils of pitch black servant. He sat up spluttering and coughing and then rolled over and groaned, “It’s your watch Zay. Something magic must have put me to sleep so be aware.” As he and the gnome fell asleep, Zay took up her post. After a time, she noticed glowing lights hovering in the blackness. Well that’s strange! she thought, no stars were visible through the dense foliage of the treetops. A little later, she detected a small buzzing noise. She looked around, nocking an arrow. A miniscule voice came out of nowhere. “no harm?” it said.
The halfling looked around and nearly fell off the tree when she saw the sprite standing almost directly next to her ear. After a little bit of conversing, he introduced himself as Gribulp and Zay woke her companions to meet her new friend…

The sprite, Gribulp, had witnessed the purging of the elves from the forest, and had dwelt alone in since then. He had watched as the goblins, trolls and cyclopes had slowly taken over, turning the lush green woods into a gray scale wasteland. He had seen his kind destroyed and driven out and everything he loved had been torn away from him, and he had persevered. Now, the three adventurers were giving him a chance to lash back at the defilers.

After some conversing, the companions convinced the Gribulp to lead them to the lair of one of the local bosses so as to cut off one of the heads of the snake. They took off the next day to an unknown destination with blades out and ready and blood on their minds. After some trudging along, they met their first patrol. The Gribulp disappeared rather quickly at the sight of goblins and the rest followed as they set an ambush. After the trap was sprung, a brief skirmish ensued, ending in a pile of dead goblins and only minor injuries on the side of the three…now four… companions. They moved on towards the final destination. They arrived at the entry to a cave in a matter of a few hours. The portal was surrounded by a fairly large number of guards, mostly intently focused on the fire keeping them warm. After a brief bit of deliberating, a plan was decided upon. The Gribulp disappeared…again… and the three others readied spells and blades, respectively. The ranger then charged at the cluster of goblins, screaming and vaulting over the fire to end his motion with blades rammed deep into two separate targets. the gnome then sent another group to sleep and the halfling ran in with shortsword and dagger flashing. Her blades flashed out and took her share of goblin lives. After the fight, the ranger raised an eyebrow as he noted the number of goblins with slit throats. one hell of an assassin we got growing here! he thought as they dumped the bodies off the branches. They moved into the area that the goblins had been guarded and were promptly assailed by giant purple plants. The gnome, drawing from a seemingly endless pool of knowledge, shouted to the others “it only has a ten foot reach! stay away from it!”
“Thanks!” grumbled the ranger, as he moved back nursing a brand new slash mark from a barbed branch. The companions stood back and shot the plants until they collapsed. They then took stock of where they were. It was a one-way corridor, with the entrance behind them and their target ahead. Also ahead was a very loud sound of running feet and grunting goblins. The three looked around at each other and immediately started to find hiding places. the halfling climbed a boulder, the gnome hid in a tall shadow and the ranger slipped into the intertwined branches that made up the walls of the cave. when the goblins rounded the corner, the ranger sprung out and braced himself behind outstretched blades. three of the stupid buggers impaled themselves on the swords before the rest came to a tumbling stop. The halfling jumped up grabbing a branch and vaulting over the horde. She turned to find herself face to face with three troll runts as the gnome cast a sleep spell into the midst of the goblins. Several of them fell but the rest rushed towards the ranger, pushing him back towards the far wall. Quinn pushed back, slashing and stabbing and the sorcerer threw fire bolts into the enemies at intervals. Neither of them noticed as the two troll runts in the back turned towards Zay and slowly began to back her away from everyone else. After a few minutes of fighting and one very impressive wave of fire, the enemies in front of the gnome and the human were nothing but burning husks, and the halfling was nowhere to be seen. The two sprinted up the corner just in time to see one of them drop with several shafts sticking out of its body in various places. They assailed the last remaining troll and it quickly went down under the combination of arrows, rapiers and withering flame. The companions took a few hours exploring the immediate vicinity before moving on. They discovered a weapon room and picked up a few new beauties, and replenished arrow stocks. Them, after a few hours of resting, they moved on.

Down the corridor, they found a room full of stagnant, green water. After a small time examining the water, they decided it would be prudent to leave it well alone. After walking a little ways more, they came upon a vast cavern with a waterfall of the same green water on one side of it. Wholly enraptured by the water, and not considering that something may be on the other side, the ranger strode up to it to take a look. So blatantly did he stride that the fifteen or so goblins, five troll runts and one massive goblinoid boss noticed him immediately and charged. The ranger was immediately surrounded by all of the trolls and beaten within an inch of his life. The halfling drew blades and began to slit the throats of any enemy foolish enough to come close and the gnome, seeing no other option, threw a wave of fire towards the five trolls. The ranger, caught in the midst of it, had no choice but to throw himself unceremoniously on the ground. Fortunately, the trolls were so intent on carving him like a ham that none of them noticed the flames and they were all roasted. The ranger stood back up and ran back to the gnome, drawing his bow and sending shafts flying towards the mass of goblins coming through the portal. the halfling began working her way towards the other two as they sent projectiles towards the enemy. The enemy, however stupid, were smart enough to send projectiles back, and the gnome found himself lying unconscious in a pool of his own blood. The halfling was severely injured and the ranger was close to death himself. Seeing no way to escape dragging the unconscious gnome with them, the two gritted their teeth and resigned themselves to going down with as many of the little black buggers as they could take with them. Nine against two odds seemed extremely long, however the goblins were having a lot of trouble figuring out which end of the arrows they were supposed to point at the companions. Shafts flew both directions in the dozens, however the two companions found themselves standing after the last of the goblins fell with a shaft between his eyes. The boss howled with fury and began sprinting towards the portal. The ranger, having none of that, sent an arrow whizzing towards his back. it struck and slowed the foe just long enough for the halfling to climb its back and slit its throat with dagger and shortsword. After insuring that all the enemy were dead, the ranger turned his attention to the gnome. He lay as if dead, and the rangers skills at herbs and medicines were not nearly sufficient to save him. In dejection, the ranger sat back, with no idea what to do and his friend bleeding on the ground. Then, as if his prayer to the gods had been heard, the Gribulp materialized over the gnome, and dripped something between his lips. E’mryyk sat up sputtering, “what did I miss?”
The ranger and halfling both grinned, knowing that they had come off very lucky… this time.

Straight outta Walden

The little village of Walden clung to the edges of the Forest, the two dwelling side by side, but staying to their own boundaries. The people of Walden had long ago learned to leave the Forest alone, and the Forest had likewise stayed to its own, ancient mysterious self. Nothing went in, and nothing came out… at least until recently.

Quinn studied the tracks leading through the orchard. This had been the most recent of several raids that had occurred, and the tracks led to the same place that the others had. Straight into the Forest, the forest referred to as the Deadwood. The attacks had yet to take a life, but had still left the villagers cowering in fear at the thought of an unseen foe in the pitch black. The morning after each of the raids, inventory and citizen checks had shown no deaths but large stockpiles of animals and other goods toted off in the night by humanoid creatures. This morning, however, the sun had come up red as blood, and the night raid had been the biggest one yet. “Quick” Quinn, the highwayman turned ranger and blade-for-hire, stood from his close scrutiny to return to the Town Hall and report his findings.

“Based on this historical account of the ancient elves, this Blood Sun most likely has something to do with them, and therefore a venture must be made into the Forest, to follow these raiders and see how they connect to this” E’mryk finished as he closed his ancient tome. The gnome was the local sorcerer and had the widest collection of books and the largest store of knowledge anyone around here had ever seen.
“Well then, we should send a small party of men” to which the halfling Zahara actually snorted at “into the Forest immediately!” Jed, the Mayor of Walden proposed. “I unfortunately will not be able to go, I have rather pertinent duties to attend to and can’t be gone that long” he concluded. At this the entire assembly snorted with derision, the man was notoriously cowardly.
“I’ll go” the Ranger spoke up “I’ve seen a bit of danger in my life and i daresay that’s more than anyone else here can claim.”
The audience nodded in general assent; very few of them had been in more danger than a rather nasty bar fight.
“I wanna go too!” the halfling Zahara, commonly known as Zay, interjected.
“I don’t know about that…” the Ranger began but quickly cutting off his comment when he saw the murderous look the halfling gave him. “okay, you’re in”
“I’m going as well, in the interest of my studies” the gnomish sorcerer stated. “I also know some spells that you may find handy in a fight”
Quinn nodded his assent. He had seen the difference a magic user could make in a fight.
“Are there any more people feeling adventurous?’ the mayor asked the audience. After noting the general looks of terror reciprocating around the room he concluded “well, it looks like it will just be you three. Good luck, and try to come back intact!”

A few hours later, the three adventurers made their way into the Forest. It looked as though they would be traversing land no outsider had dared pass in hundreds, if not thousands of years. The Ranger kept his eyes on the tracks as they moved deeper and deeper. So focused was he that it took one of his companions pointing it out for him to notice something rather peculiar. The entire Forest was a colorless, grayscale mess of oddly distorted sounds and unnaturally large trees. After the initial shock the travelers moved on, marveling at the oddity of the situation.

“I think we’re lost” the gnome said in his typical, squeaky, obnoxious tone.
“Be quiet!” the human interjected. Something was wrong. He’d lost the trail somehow and they were in a strange outcropping of branches. He couldn’t find any sign of the party they were hunting and that made him very nervous. He slowly drew his twin rapiers as he examined his location. At that instant a group of black goblins dropped form the above branches, surrounding his party. He shouted out a warning as his fighting instincts kicked in. He rammed his blades into two of the nearest goblins and took measure of the situation. The gnome and halfling had reacted almost as quickly to the nine pitch black goblins dropping into their midst and were engaging their nearest foe men. As he watched, one of the goblins slapped the ground and then used magically elongated arms to flail at he and his companions.
The skirmish continued on until all but one was dead, that one being immersed in a magic induced sleep and tied up tighter than the Mayor’s purse strings. The injuries among the three companions were minor, a few cuts and bruises, and one rather painful patch of necromancy blasted skin. The three then proceeded to not so gently wake the prisoner via the basket hilt on one of the rangers rapiers. They questioned the Goblin in an attempt to gain some knowledge, but soon ended up just pushing his pierced, burned corpse over the edge of the balcony of branches on which they were standing. His body joined those of his eight fellows at the bottom of a very, very long fall.

a short journal entry

On reflection, I wished I’d demonstrated more self-control in my search for Ezri. My intentions were right, but I know that my emotions got the best of me in those first few hours. Upon reflection – something we’d been taught to do on reflex at the Camp, but I was unable to do in the opening moments of the attack – I realized that we’d stumbled onto information that was vital for the leaders of the city – scum they might be – should know. Simply put, they’d been infiltrated, and it was at least likely that part of the immediate response to the attack was being actively stymied by the attackers. Beyond that idea, a few facts were clear:

The Empire was in collusion with undead forces – that’s a new, horrible turn for them, but true in our case

At least two Centurions had been in the city, along with at least 20 troops, since before the attack – how they’d hidden, or how they’d blended in, I don’t know

The fog was still beyond us – where did it come from? Who controlled it?

The Von Trapp children, and surely Ezri if alive, were somewhere in this underground complex

While it seems certain that the half-orcs we finished off had something to do with the attackers, the connection is unclear

At this point I was torn between two courses of action: proceed deeper into the underground corridors, or go back to the street and try to find someone responsible for civil defense and give them the information we had, and what help we could offer after that. Our rest gave me time to think.

Meta
Emrich keeps a journal, so this reflects what he’d write in it at some later point. Go ahead and comment on it to represent conversation with Emrich and the group while resting in the half-orcs’ room, since these things would be on his mind during that time – he would’t share the initial personal reflection, though – just the bullet points about their situation.

...death walks among the living...

“Some ish went down, some people died… but we were cool!”

Once Evon and Emrich were safely moving along the rooftops, Tainan and Ingvarr made their way along the swiftest route to the councilman’s home. Their footsteps mingled into the noises within the fog and created a chaotic mixture. Walking quickly along walls and speedily crossing streets led the pair to cross in front of the clinic where Tainan worked. As they were passing the doors slammed open and two medics were thrown into the street where two skinny, but strong men opened their mouths in hunger.
Overly long tongues rasped out and claws tore into their victims. Tainan’s co-workers writhed in agony and pleaded for help. Priest and warrior drew weapons and closed the distance.
The cleric’s mace came down upon one beast’s head while the fighter sank his blades into the foul creature. The beasts howled in pain and prepared to respond to the new threat, but the weapons came in again too fast. Blades sank deeply into opposite sides of the neck of one severing its head, while holy light descended from above to end the other’s life…or unlife.
Upon entering the Hall of Physicians, the scene of gore was nauseating- guts, limbs, and blood. The blood ran down the walls and pooled on the floor…
That was when the crowd down the horseshoe-shaped hallway took notice and began moving toward the two. It was soon obvious they were not healthy patients, in fact they were beyond help.
The duo had the mob bottle-necked in a hallway taking down a few each until the damage began to take its toll. Tainan offered up a bold plan, so with few other choices Ingvarr stepped forward to draw their attention to himself. The priest called down divine power and unleashed a torrent of holy radiance that washed outward. The remaining few were easily dispatched.
Locating the apothecary’s cellar wasn’t difficult, it was the hole in the floor that didn’t make sense.
As they continue down the street, onto the Street of Gods, there are at least 50 people flocking to the DC Temple. The Priests are standing outside of them in a defensive circle, protecting them, but shouting to one another about what to do, where to go. Divided on what they will do, 5 are arguing they go to the Slayers’ Brotherhood for protection, while the other 5 are shouting “we need to defend the temple, our home, our deity’s home!” all the while casting divine magic on a host of 5 undead Dogs of War letting loose unearthly howls and growls, 5 Zombies moan and gnash their teeth, and a Spectral Warhorse with a Shadow astride it’s back whispering ghostly utterances in commanding words making clacking sounds, with hollow breathing and appears to be urging it’s host attacks. The 50 commoners are clustered, confused on what to do while 5 other zombies are occupied with eating the flesh of the torn remnants of some other commoners. Tainan unleashes a bolt of Divine fury on the shadow, and in response, it turns and bolts toward them knocking a dog on it’s side and crushing the skull of a zombie to make a pass at Tainan and Ingvarr. Successfully hitting Tainan, he feels strength ebbing from the wound. The rider turns and charges back before launching itself and landing in front of Tainan with the steed squaring off with Ingvarr. Trading blows, they are seem to be getting the best of the undead creatures when five zombies and two undead dogs begin making their way over to a new meal. Just as looks like things are about to go from bad to worse, they fell the shadow and it’s specrtal steed as it howls in rage and dissipates it’s black appearance into the fog as something clinks on the ground from it’s form. Ingvarr and Tainan felt their life dripping into the street as their wounds felt like they were going to over take them, the two dogs cross over and flank them as the five zombies engage. Desparately fighting, they are finally able to fell the dogs as the zombies encircle them going in for the kill when three clerics peel off and come over to give aid. Timely, they step up as Tainain and Ingvarr are victorious. The three clerics stare at them in admiration for what they had just done, as Tainan says “Go in the temple, bar the doors. Keep them safe!” The three Clerics look at one another and see the wisdom in his words, go to take in the wayward commoners. On the ground where the shadow fell, they find a metal necklace that feels warm to the touch as they pick it up. A quick corroboration of knowledges reveals they have heard of things like this before, a Relic of Magic.

At last, they are on the street leading to the House of Thron, moving through the fog they hear the sound of scraping steps on the stone up ahead. Tainan and Ingvarr share a look of pure dread, realizing that this could be their last battle and turn to run down the street past the Spectral Centurion marching its way down the street. After a futile slash at Ingvarr, it attempts to give chase but seems slowed by it’s armor and they are able to lose them as they run up the stairs, unlock the door, slam it, lock it, and bar it. Breathing heavily, they look into the sitting room to see Evon with his feet up on the table drinking something that looks like wine, and Emrich cleaning his gear as the Druid and the Monk look up and say “Took you long enough!” Ingvarr grunts and says “Looks like you two fared better than we did.” Tainan picks up a stone on the bureau and listens to a message left for him on a sending stone from Risia, he and Drokki have gone out to do what they can. Tainan harumphs and says “What will an illusionist be able to do? Must be back up for Uncle Drokki!” They take a moment to gather their things and swig some cool refreshment as banging proceeds on the front door. Evon asks “Did you bring a friend?” as Tainan turns and says “Must be the armored skeleton we ran past in the street. We thought we had lost it.” Emrich offers “Maybe we can circle out a back door and come up from behind?” All in agreement, they come around behind it, but are unable to surprise the spectral Centurion. What began with trepidation, turns to encouragement as the four are able to overwhelm and fell the Centurion as it’s bones and armor clatter to the ground and it’s spirit returns to the afterlife.

Not sure where to go, they seem to agree to go back up the street toward the temple as they hear the light sobbing of a little girl. As they get closer they can make out what appears to be the form of a little girl crying in the middle of the street. As they get close enough, they see the form with the dim light behind it, and can now tell it is not in fact a little girl but a woman as she screams and lunges at Ingvarr. With surprising speed, the four fan out, and flank the lady. Through might, skill, divine and natural magic they fell the River Hag.

Recap

• Tainan, Emrich, Ingvarr, and Evon exit the von Trapp affair into a street filled with fog, screams and sounds of chaos in the distance. They decide they need to make their way to Tainan’s house to gather their things, as Evon and Emrich break to walk the catwalks while Tainan and Ingvarr take the streets to their destination.
• Ingvarr and Tainan snake their way through the streets, as a squad of SB Guards are leading a group of commoners to the SB Stronghold on the hill.
• Ingvarr and Tainain come upon the Fellowship of Physicians the door bursts open and physicians burst through the double doors followed by two pale skinned creatures wearing old and tattered clothing.
• Entering the Hall of Physicians, they find what is left of two attendants, the Herbalist, the attending Physician, and 11 patitents. They are assailed by 20 zombies and the horseshoed hallway of the building is filled with different states of gore buffet, 2 attendants (Brother Donal and Lanna) still alive as well as 1 patient.
• Searching the Apothecary in the cellar uncovers some “grave” findings.
• DC Temple, 50 commoners are huddled on the street in a mob while 10 acolytes, are defending them from Zombies, undead dogs of war while a Shadow astride a spectral warhorse looks on encouraging and several zombies are in mid meal feasting on dead folks in the street.
• Finally, walking down the street toward the Thron house, the two run into a Spectral Centurion. They make a break for it and run past it to the house, barring the door and cleaning up while catching up with Evon and Emrich.
• Coming out the back door, they attempt to surprise the Spectral Centurion, Ingvarr & Tainan fight the Centurion.
• Further back down the street, they come upon what appears to be a little girl crying in the street.

Meeting up at Merchant von Trapp’s house, Evon, Ingvarr, and Emrich were confused as to why Tainan had been gone longer than expected. He mentioned several hours earlier that he would be going to run a quick errand, and would be back within an hour. Not knowing him too well yet, the trio made their way to the Great Library to wile away some time before the von Trapp affair and give Tainan time to re-join. Working together, Content Not Found: invarr-battleborn and Emrich hypothesized that the ancient tome’s maps were drawn from the perspective of the world’s other hemisphere, and thus things are angled differently. There is overlap, around the north pole, and that’s where the maps from that book and those from books we know come together – that’s what we think, at least. If we’re right, it’d mean that we have a book with maps from the unknown other side of the world.

Making their way a little early, invitations in hand, they stand in front of the von Trapp manor watching the passers by and trying to look like they belong. Risia and a dwarf come up and ask where Tainan is after introducing Content Not Found: drokki-lighting-eye-thunderbeard. Ingvarr and Emrich decide it may be best to check out the Chateau to see what may have become of the fair priest, but looking over at Evon he seems to have struck up a lively conversation with Drokki they leave to pursue.

Following Risai’s directions, they are able to locate the Chateau easily enough. The scene unfolds with a very large building, with many ladies not associated with the Chateau offering their wares outside the building and several of the Mountain Bandits are in mid-transaction. The smell of smoke (fire, opium, tobacco, and unknown cooked meat) fill the air leading into the Bazaar, as they pass the doorway to the Chateau and take in the ornate doorway inlaid with many different “positions” displayed to imply what is within. Moving through the Bazaar, they come through to the alley street that separates the Rat’s Nest from the Bazaar and Chateau. Trash, filth, sweat, and rotting fish assail them as they make their way through the street where some “homeless” have taken refuge in the crates. They come upon a puddle of blood in the streets, and hear the faint moans of a Halfling. Upon inspection, they realize the blood in the street is separate from the beat up cutpurse, and while the scene looks evident, they think it best to exhaust the Chateau before pursuing the blood.

Entering the Chateau they quickly discern Madame Alandra, who cuts a figure of beauty and leadership. After some verbal sparring, she informs them that Tainan has not in fact been at the Chateau today.

Back in the alley street, they follow the trail of blood to a sturdy locked door of the Rat’s Nest, and listening carefully it sounds as though some guards are gambling on the other side. Emrich deftly opens a window on the first floor, and the two stealthily enter the building. Making their way around the corner, they quickly put down the four gambling guards at the door and up the stairs knocking out two more. The blood trail leads to the end of the hall where they burst through the door to find Squares pacing, wondering what he is going to do with the bound and gagged Tainan. With surprising speed, the two drop Squares and run to the next room relieving his thugs. Cashing out, they walk away with 83 Gold and 94 Silver pieces.

After getting cleaned up, healed up, and powered up ;-) the trio make their way to the von Trapp extravaganza. Only an hour and half late, they present their invitations they make their way in getting late plates and sitting down to converse with Risia and Lightning Eye. Ingvarr sits next to Drokki giving him a greeting “Arcanus Magem”, and Drokki smilles responding "Magem Arcanus. Drokki seems to be fidgeting and muttering something to himself while Risai asks his son what happened. Given a brief recount of the events, Risai appears to lose his temper but recovers and provides a cryptic warning to Tainan that his son seems to understand and his face flushes as the gravity sinks in. Ingvarr and Tainan pick up on what Drokki is muttering “If I have it, I don’t share it. If I share it, I don’t have it. What is it?” Ingvarr says “A Secret.”, and Drokki smiles going further “What was one, is now two, but the two are still one.” while Tainan and Ingvarr puzzle over what he has said Emrich loses interest in the riddles Drokki is offering up, and makes his way around to impressing the ladies. Drokki, realizing they are stumped continues “Power has strengthened by one, but is actually more than one. The Dark City Council grows darker with the power that has strengthened the one. The power did not come from within DC.” Together, Ingvarr and Tainan come up with:

The Thieves Guild and the House of Pain were once one, but are now two, however, their power is still one.

Something about a Changeling being involved, but not that the Guild Leaders are one in the same, this fact was not fully explored before being interrupted.

Risai interrupts “Drokki, you are making our friends uncomfortable, maybe we should discuss something else?” Announced on the stage is a spoken word performance where the performer states that we should not forget history, for it tells us where we came from. Clearing his throat, he begins “From the center of the realm, the Majestic Living Realm of Providence has brought forth to the mountains, plains and forests the divine light of Helm, Tempus and Mask. Through this divinity, the Imperator has been empowered to illuminate the realm, bringing it to order, and protecting all of it’s subjects. As ambassadors of the Living Realm of Providence, we have become a class of being separate and distinct from all other beings in the realm. Not now as beings among beings, but as an enlightened citizen of another country among the ignorant creature of this dark world. An enlightened state. In turn, we give back an oath of life, body, soul to to further this endeavor. Failing that, my life is forfeit and my destruction is my own to claim.” But the four adventurers are not hearing the voice of the Bard, rather they seem to be sitting around a campfire with others and a military officer is reciting the LRoP oath. They do not recognize one another as they are not themselves, as they see three elves and a Gnome sitting around a campfire. Once the Officer is complete, he walks away and their consciousness comes back to the feast. Drokki looks at Ingvarr and mutters rebirth, before getting up to leave.

Upon exiting the street there seems to be an absence of sound (much like [[File:445227 | class=media-item-align-right | fog_street.jpg]]after a bomb blast without the ringing in the ears), even when attempting to speak to one another it sounds muffled or underwater. There is a crisp, cold smell to the air, and fog has filled the cavern. At this point there is a slight woosh of breeze, and then hearing is returned by the distant sound of screams and cries in the distance. It is evident the light has faded somehow, but it almost looks like fires have been lit somewhere out in the streets. There is a smell of death in the air, much like a tomb. Some of the sounds to be heard are a howl on the wind, ominous clacking of bones, high pitched cackling and low moans all in varying volumes.

It's all Squares

Early Afternoon, the four would-be adventurers find themselves in the House of Thron. In appearance it is well appointed, with the light Light just above dimly lit. The torches, candles and other light sources are not putting off any smoke and have a slight sound like running or bubbling water. The rooms have a lived in look (by two Bachelors no less) with books spread about not slovenly but mid research. The picture have scenes that move, or may be interactive which might be disturbing to some. Overall, there is a smell of arcane that permeates much like incense.

Tainin allows Emrich to dress, while Ingvarr and Evon are relaxing enjoy their surroundings, he makes a polite excuse. “I have a quick errand to run. It shouldn’t take me too awfully long. You are welcome to wait here, if you like. Or, I can meet you somewhere out in the festival, if you wanted to stroll the sights a bit longer. Either way, make yourself at home. I’ll return in about an hour.” “Let’s meet at dinner – I’d like to take a walk before sitting and gorging myself,” Emrich says with a smile, heading out the door after his host. Tainin then nods, turns and exits.

Due to the fact that Tainan is a regular customer, he typically comes in the back way which butts up against the Rat’s Nest. As he rounds the corner, the scene unfolds of a low life he has seen many times around these streets. Squares Dawn is working over some poor individual, as two of his cronies hold him up. Due to Tainan’s keen perception, he recognizes the cutpurse he had turned into Tong earlier that day. “Had to pull some strings I did” fist smacking meat “I got your sorry, hairy footed ass out” fist smacking jaw “and what do you have for me?” fist smacks meat “you are empty handed.” Just then, one of the thugs notices Tainan and nods over toward him and Squares turns around to look at him with his yellowing, jaundiced eyes. “What’s this then? Are you looking for trouble?” The wheezing Halfling is bleeding profusely, his breaths come in agonizing wheezes and he mutters something but ends up coughing and sputtering before spitting out some blood and spittle which looks like it might contain teeth. He hisses out with great effort “It was him boss, he got me” stops to take a wheezing breath “arrested.” Squares turns on Tainan.

Standing confidently, Tainan responds “You know I am a well-known priest and son of Risai. You don’t have a move here that wouldn’t end in your operation being shut down and you likely being executed, Squares.” With that, Tainin allows his light cantrip to charge slowly, throwing off brilliant white sparks and rays of light as it travels down his arm toward his hand, stopping at the head of his mace as he draws it nonchalantly. “I will, however, insist that you cease harming anyone in my presence.” Squares, smiling like a snake and very intimdatingly says “So, you are one of the fallen house of Thron, and look to be just as weak as your father. You be in the wrong den, and not thinking clearly. It just makes it easier that you presented yourself to me, now, lay down the weapon.” Realizing the depth of the situation, but not feeling the exhiliration driving him on, Tainan overcomes Squares’ intimidations and says “Squares, somehow I do not think you heard me, but I insist that you cease harming anyone in my presence.” Squares laughs dryly “Bad move priest!” as he launches around behind him unleashing a quick slash across his left shoulder and blood begins to soak Tainan’s clothing. Following, Bob and Kessel drop the Halfling mercilessly to the ground and draw to form a triangular flank on Tainan. Divine power imbues the Cleric’s words as he turns on Squares and Commands in a booming voice “LEAVE!”, to which Squares runs up to the door of the Rat’s Nest behind him. While Bob and Kessel look at each other determining their next move, Tainan shoots a flare in front of Bob before Kessel thumps him across the head knocking him into unconsciousness.

Explosions, a thief, flashbacks and a dinner

The scene opens in the darkened cavernous city near the main thoroughfare, the Street of the Gods, outside of the Dark City Theater. Crowds are forming, some food vendors are beginning to offer their wares, as four young adventurers recognize each other waiting in line to buy food. Emrich, the younger farmer and recent transplant to the Dark City who is plying his skills for the Merchant Vice von Trapp. Evon OakPaw, the Hermit Druid who, after tiring of spending years in the wilds, returned to Dark City, and who having done previous work helping out in the cavern field for the Merchant von Trapp met Emrich. Tainan Thron, the local Cleric of the Light, son to Risia Thron, and recent acquaintance to Ingvar by way of the Great Library, known to Evon and Emrich via work done to heal the wounds and see to the pains of the farmers at the fields.Ingvar, the Sage with a endless thirst for knowledge, knowledge once unavailable to him under the controlling hand of the Living Realm of Providence.

Greetings and small talk filled the moments before the view of the crowd parting and the striking images of the 13 were seen to be making their way to the front of the Dark City Theater. As they filed up on the dais, Axium Cloudroar raised his staff to quiet the crowd and cleared his throat. “Many many years ago, the Gloaming was upon us, certainly before my time, but our ancestors record that the darkening came upon the land and the world was a different place in the blink of an eye…” The area around seems to darken a little as Axium draws out the last word. “After many many years, the dawn broke, and our world began the process of returning to normal. Or, a new normal, for we had a lot to look back on. I realize you all, as much as we” he looks to left and right at the other Guild Leaders “are excited to get on with the festivities, so let the dawn BREAK!” he raps his staff and an explosion erupts from the end of his staff, as a ball of light rockets up to the roof the cavern then explodes in a rainbow shower of light and begins the slow descent to the surface before burning out. This is followed shortly by and eruption of orbs of light throughout the street as other casters at designated points like the way of the street, much brighter than normal.

Tainan looks to the three with him and asks “I am not sure if you three had a planned itinerary, but my Father has an excellent booth he has put quite a bit of work into. A flying Griffon experience, or so he says. It is just over yonder on Silver Street in front of the Wizard’s Guild.” Looking around, everyone seems to be in agreement. “Perfect! We’re off then.” Moving up the street, and taking the catwalk boards up to the roof and back over to the Wizard’s Guild.

Risia Thron, smile from ear to ear, greeted Tainan as he approached. “Well hello Son, and who are your friends here?” As Tainan looks around and offers up names, and explains that they are interested in testing out his new booth. After a discounted exchange of funds, the four enter into the booth and sit down on the bench.

As darkness descends up them, the sound of wind whipping around them and one could almost sense a drop in temperature. A view begins to come into focus of snow flurries whipping around, and a snow bank appears before them. The image seems to move forward as if tromping through snow and ahead a wooden palisade appears before them, and up on the walls heavily bearded humans bedecked in furs, carrying round shields and axe, they appear to give a salute with their axes as the gates begin to open. The street that opens before them, frozen and filling with snow, seems to have been shoveled recently. The view of wooden buildings skirt the street, and looking up you can almost see the shutter of one or two cracked as someone appears to peak out. Scanning between the buildings, frozen streams break up the streets. Crossing a great bridge, a magnificent long hall is ahead with two more guards. Much more arrayed than the previous, these two have heavy plates of gold woven into their beards, their chests appear protected by a studded leather and chain armor, a heavy fur cloak from either a bear or a huge feline of some sort. Their arms are wrapped with arm rings, swirling tattoos, and on their feet appear to be heavy fur-lined boots with spikes on the bottom. Breaking the portal of the hall, there is a series of benches, various tables, and braziers of fire arrayed at different points. At the end of a hall, seated on a throne is a heavily muscled man with long white hair. As he stands up, he seems to raise his hand in a warrior type greeting, and as his features become clearer, he is also wearing armbands, but his are much thicker and actually appear to be a serpentine golden dragon encircling his right bicep, while his left is almost a bracelet but up on his bicep. At this point the scene turns dark, and the Evon turns to his three friends to ask “what happened to the Griffon?” but is perplexed at the expressions on their faces as they are looking out of sorts. “I got ripped off!” Evon exclaims “I wanted a Griffon ride.”

As the four make their way out, they begin explaining that there was something afterward. “What did you think?” Risia asks as he seems them emerging. “Not quite a Griffon ride, we saw a snow covered land and what looked to be the palisade of Inglewolf Mammoth.” During the retelling a bump alerts Tainan to something grabbing his pouch, and he turns to grab what looks to be a young boy. “Let me go! Let me go!” the humanoid exclaims, and it quickly becomes clear this Halfling was attempting to lighten Tainan’s pouch of coin. With a quick look Emrich notices a figure up on the catwalk make quick eye contact, and turn to move hastily away. Emrich, seeing that Ingvar is noticing his pouch was pilfered as well and is in earnest to help with the would-be-thief, turns to Evon “Evon, want to take a stroll” as he motions to the catwalk and they pursue the individual. “Hey, aren’t you going to wait for your friend?” Emrich calls out. A well placed dweomer is called out by Evon, introducing Bromm as a new found friend.

Recap – Festival opening
• Risia Thron’s booth, supposed to be a Griffon ride but was something far different.
o Emrich had a vision of oppressor back in Loy “This is what we do, THIS IS WHO WE ARE!”
o Tainan had a vision of working on what appeared to be a wounded soldier who lost his lower leg, as he looks up Tainan sees he is in a tent and as he walks out he sees a row of chain-ganged Elves being led into a cave.
o Ingvarr had a vision of mid shield charge, and he slows for a moment as he looks to his left and a commander screams at him to pick up the pace. He looks forward to see the enemy, Elves.
• Tainan has his pouch attempted to be pilfered by a cutpurse, but he catches him. Emrich notices a watcher (Bromm) who he and Evon pursues while Tainan and Ingvarr stay to deal with cutpurse having him arrested by Tong (1/2 Orc Guard SB).
• Emrich and Evon catch the watcher, Evon Charms him and they learn of the chain of command for the Thieves Guild and that it centers around the Rat’s Nest. Bromm reports to → Dag who reports to → Squares Dawn, a low-level leader of the Thieves Guild. Tainan knows Squares from seeing him around the Chateau.
• Coming up the street is Emrich’s cousin, Ezri, who has the kids and are going up to slide the frozen stream. She invites them to a Dinner at Merchant Vice von Trapp’s house. Pick up the invitation about 3PM.
• Tainan leaves the party at his house while he goes for an “interlude” at the Chateau where he happens upon Squares working over the Halfling cutpurse who was caught in attempted pilfer of Tainan’s pouch.

from Emrich's personal journal

The festival’s opening lived up to its billing, especially the fireworks – I think I could almost see the cavern roof a mile over us when the magic was fired off. The speakers from the ruling council were stuffy, as one would expect from such people at such an occasion, and I still have a hard time accepting that a thieves’ guild is accepted as a part of the mainstream of the city. Nothing I can do about that but live through it while here.

I was glad to run into and spend time with those who pass for my friends in town, and we had some excitement when a pick-pocket tried to rob us. Evon and I blocked the escape of his friend while Tainan handled the actual thief – a halfling playing at being a child – off to a guard.

The experience in the tent, however, was not to my liking, although so far as such experiences go perhaps there is a meaning to it. I’d not thought of that moment in years, and I think I was 4 or 5 when it happened. I still can’t be sure if it was my mother or my aunt, but in the memory it was mother. Very strange and very troubling. And the fact that two others experienced bizarre, disturbing memories makes me think that either something went very wrong with the illusion and the magic jarred our brains so as to evoke those memories – but were they all real? Or even possible? No one’s seen an elf in centuries…no human – that’s certain. I’ll have to think on this.

On a more pleasant note, it was also very nice to see Ezri, and her invite was a surprise – I’ll have to be on my best behavior and remind myself to observe, listen, and remember tonight. Actually, I ought to ask her about what I saw in the tent – she’s smart, and whether it was my mother or hers might be something she remembers.

Need to close for now – have to pick up borrowed nice clothes for our high society affair.

Three days of mourning, and 4 days of rebirth

The holiday of gloaming is a time of mourning and preparation, the people remember the loss of their divine connections to their beloved deities. The first day is spent in preparation, planning as if a darkness were coming and what would a community do in such an instance. Menus are prepared, Guilds take inventories, artisans & crafts people prep what they can give, entertainers plan their performances. The second day is spent in arduous creation of magnificent transformation, making the city ready for the rebirth of the Matutinus. Walk ways are added on the rooftops of buildings and bonfires are prepared in the larger streets, tents are erected, goods are baked, wares are prepared, spells are memorized, animals are groomed, fighters clean their gear. The third day is spent in rest and contemplation of what was lost, and what has been gained since the gloaming.

The Matutinus begins with an opening ceremony where the 13 makes an announcement to the city and welcomes the travelers from the surrounding bandit tribes and communities. Then four days of festivals, shows, eating, drinking, debauchery to celebrate the rebirth of the deities and what they mean to the world.